Newport International Boat Show gives back

Save The Bay volunteers at the Save The Bay Swim that takes participants 2-miles from Newport to Jamestown, R.I © Save The Bay

The Newport International Boat Show, presented by BankNewport announced today it will be giving back to the local community through support of IYRS School of Technology & Trades; the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association (RIMTA) to support workforce development at area high schools; Sail Newport, Rhode Island's public sailing center; and Save The Bay, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and improving the Narragansett Bay.

All of these partners share the Show's aim to protect and celebrate the natural beauty of Rhode Island, attract new boaters and build a healthy and thriving industry workforce.

"This year we have made our most concerted effort yet to give back to the local community," said Jocelyn Emory, Director of Strategy for the Newport International Boat Show. "We owe our 54 years of success to the unwavering support of the people and businesses of Rhode Island. By giving back to these organizations and in particular to the youth learning about our marine industry is not only a way to be involved in the community but also a way to help foster a strong future. We are very excited to partner with these organizations and look forward to a successful Show where these partners will have a place for their mission to be shared."

IYRS School of Technology & Trades and the Newport International Boat Show are partnering to enhance marine industry education and spotlight career-technical training's role in Rhode Island's maritime economy. As the show's official Educational Partner, IYRS will host "Tech Talks," including a Gel Coat Workshop and two talks with Ed Sherman, one focusing on diesel engines and another on electrical systems. IYRS will also be included within the Shows' daily educational offerings at the "Cruiser's Classroom" that brings interactive learning to attendees. In addition, the Newport International Boat Show is a sponsor of this year's IYRS Gala, reinforcing a shared commitment to the Newport community and the shaping of the future marine workforce. IYRS offers four full-time, ACCSC-accredited programs preparing students for careers in the marine and advanced technologies sectors.

For the second year in a row, in partnership with RIMTA, the Newport International Boat Show will contribute $1,000 toward Rhode Island's Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum. There are currently about 100 students enrolled in marine technology programs, which offer instruction in several sectors of the marine industry including boatbuilding, composites and marine systems. In addition, the Show will offer all students enrolled in the marine technology programs discounted admission.

In partnership with Sail Newport, the Show is sponsoring Waterfront Day on May 31; the Annual Newport Regatta®, from July 12 through 13; and supporting Girls AdventureSail® Day on September 13. Sail Newport was founded in 1983 and is home to the East Coast's largest public sailing center. Its purpose is to promote and operate affordable public sailing instruction, rental programs and to create opportunities to attract new sailors to the sport.

Save The Bay's mission is to protect and improve Narragansett Bay and its watershed. They achieve this through advocacy, education and restoration efforts, working to ensure the Bay is healthy, swimmable, fishable and accessible to all. By aligning with Save The Bay's efforts the Show plays a key role in raising awareness about the vital need to protect local waters. Through fundraising efforts during the ticketing process for attendees, the Show will use its platform for both celebration and conservation, ensuring the Bay remains a global environmental treasure for all to enjoy.

"Boaters, and the boating industry, depend on a clean, healthy Narragansett Bay, and Save The Bay has been working diligently for 55 years to achieve that goal," said Topher Hamblett, Executive Director, Save The Bay. "We are deeply grateful to the Newport International Boat show for its generous support. It is an honor to be their partner at this year's event!"