IYRS School of Technology & Trades is nearing the final stages of its annual raffle, offering the public a rare opportunity to take ownership of a newly restored Beetle Cat sailboat. With just 29 of the 150 available tickets remaining, the drawing is expected to take place soon.
The 12-foot wooden sailboat, meticulously restored by students in the school’s 20-month Boatbuilding & Restoration program, features traditional craftsmanship, bronze hardware, and a new sail. Its simple single-sail rig and shallow draft make it an ideal vessel for sailors of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned mariners.
This year’s raffle boat reflects a broader legacy: since 1998, IYRS students have restored more than 170 Beetle Cats, a cornerstone of the school’s hands-on training approach. Each vessel represents both a continuation of American boatbuilding heritage and a launching point for the next generation of marine trades professionals.
The Beetle Cat, initially designed in 1921, remains a symbol of New England’s sailing tradition. It is the first boat ethat very IYRS boatbuilding student constructs and serves as a foundational learning project in the program.
Proceeds from the raffle support the nonprofit’s mission to provide immersive, skills-based education in the marine and modern trades industries.
Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased by contacting Matt Breen, Development Associate, at 401-848-5777 x277 or by visiting www.iyrs.edu/events/raffle.
