Classic Yacht Cruise to arrive in New Bedford Harbor
Wednesday, August 22
A flotilla of some 25 classic sail and powerboats will
parade in company through the New Bedford hurricane
barrier between 2 and 4 PM on Wednesday, August 22 and
will layover in the harbor. Cruise participants will
come ashore to enjoy the city and the many activities
organizers have planned.
Mayor Scott W. Lang, the New Bedford Economic
Development Council (NBEDC), the Harbor Development
Commission, New Bedford Office of Tourism and many local
businesses, organizations and individuals have scheduled
a full itinerary to warmly welcome the fleet of classic
boats and their passengers participating in the Classic
Yacht Cruise (CYC) – some launched as early as 1905 and
lovingly restored- some right here in our harbor. The
160-foot, three-masted staysail schooner Arabella serves
as the mother ship for the cruise.
The annual event, organized by the International Yacht
Restoration School (IYRS) of Newport (R.I.), will cruise
in southern New England waters, starting in Nantucket in
conjunction with Opera House Cup Regatta and sailing to
Martha's Vineyard, Tarpaulin Cove, New Bedford,
Cuttyhunk and its final destination, Newport (R.I.).
The CYC draws a fleet that represents a time capsule of
classic yacht design—from wooden boats launched in the
early 1900s to recently launched modern classics built
in a “spirit of tradition.” Participating power and
sailboats range in length from 39 to 76 feet.
Among the activities planned are a reception Wednesday
evening at Cork Wine Bar, a fundraising dinner at the
Whaling Museum and several activities on Thursday
including: sailing on two of the vessels for children in
the Community Boating program; tours of Foley's Fish
Processing Plant, an Eastern Fisheries scalloper, Joseph
Abboud Manufacturing, the National Historic Park and
Whale Boat Races.
“For New Bedford to be chosen as a layover for the IYRS
cruise is good news for the city,” said Mayor Scott W.
Lang. “Our hope is that the captains and their crews
feel welcome here and have a memorable stay in New
Bedford. We hope they enjoy all that we have to offer
and that they return to our beautiful working harbor and
historic city.”
A number of area businesses have donated items to
welcome the vessels including Sperry Sails of Marion,
Crystal Ice, Cardoza’s Wine and Spirits, Continental
Plastics, Hunt Yacht design, Titleist golf balls, the
Coalition for Buzzards Bay and The Black Whale. Jeff
Pontiff’s New Bedford Harbor Tours will be running
regular launch service.
“The layover presents an important opportunity to tell
our story to many individuals connected to companies,
jobs and investment dollars,” said NBEDC Executive
Director Matthew Morrissey.
As part of a broader business development campaign of
the NBEDC, each captain will receive a personalized
commemorative book designed by MediumStudio and printed
by Reynolds-DeWalt, entitled “New Bedford IS…” Both
firms have donated their services. This version of the
book contains specific information important to
mariners.
“We welcome IYRS to the Port of New Bedford to explore
our great city and learn about New Bedford's maritime
traditions. The group will have the opportunity to
experience first hand the authentic charm of a working
port with beautiful vistas of hundreds of fishing
vessels throughout the harbor. IYRS's voyage to New
Bedford demonstrates the diversity of our port and how
recreational, tourism, and industry-based
operations compliment and benefit one another,” said
Kristin Decas, Executive Director of the Harbor
Development Commission.
New Bedford resident Laurie Bullard, co-admiral for the
Classic Yacht Cruise and New Bedford port captain said,
“I see this as an outstanding opportunity for New
Bedford - a chance to showcase the beauty, history and
culture of the city. We have a large, deep-water and
safe harbor, the best ice on the East Coast, excellent
marine services, great museums, talented artisans,
restaurants with delicious food, attractive shops and
lovely residential areas. Thanks to the efforts of a
huge number of folks, the fleet will receive the best
while they are in our harbor.”
Among the many organizations participating are the
National Historic Park (Celeste Bernardo, executive
director and Jennifer Gonsalves, ranger), the Whaling
Museum (Anne Brengle, executive director), Office of
Tourism and Marketing (Anne Marie Lopes, director), the
Harbor Development Commission (Kristin Decas, executive
director) and the NBEDC (Matthew A. Morrissey, executive
director). Various city departments will provide
essential support.
Photographers who would like to shoot the fleet's
arrival should consider locations such as Fort Phoenix
(Fairhaven) and the navigation gate of the Hurricane
Barrier. It is recommended that photographers call
Deirdre Opp of IYRS on Aug. 22 to get a more accurate
estimate of when the fleet will arrive (mobile:
401-835-7323).About IYRS: Located in the heart of
historic Newport, the International Yacht Restoration
School has transformed a once-abandoned section of
waterfront into a thriving center for maritime education
and restoration. Its highly regarded educational
programs, which draw students from around the world,
make the school a valuable training institution for the
maritime industry. IYRS offers two curricula of study: a
two-year program in boat building and restoration and a
one-year program in marine systems and associated
technology (in addition to a full menu of Continuing
Education courses). Emphasis in both programs is on
developing a high degree of technical and craftsmanship
skill, leading to certifications that are highly
regarded by the marine industry. IYRS also promotes an
understanding of maritime heritage to the public at
large through its lecture series; publications such as
Restoration Quarterly; and a campus that is open
year-round to the public, which includes a working
marina that attracts classic power and sailboats in the
summer season. IYRS students restore historically
important boats and as a byproduct of the program,
students have returned a fleet of classic boats to the
water including small rowing skiffs and power boats, the
first Concordia yawl and yachts of important designers
and boat builders.
For more information, visit the school's website at
www.iyrs.org. The
website's Media Room houses the latest press releases in
addition to background sheets on the school and its
major restoration projects. Media Contact: Cynthia Goss,
203-430-4145. |
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