Win an IYRS-restored Beetle Cat sailboat! (Credit: IYRS)

Good morning, Newport! 👋  Today is Friday, Sept. 19, the 262nd day of 2025. There are 105 days left in the year.

🚨 You need to know

The International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) is giving sailing enthusiasts a unique opportunity to own a piece of American maritime history through their latest fundraising raffle. For $150 per ticket, participants can enter to win a fully restored Beetle Cat sailboat, complete with classic wooden construction, gleaming bronze hardware, and a brand new sail.

The iconic Beetle Cat, first designed in 1921 and still handcrafted today at the historic Beetle Cat Boat Shop, represents over a century of American boatbuilding tradition. These charming single-sail vessels are renowned for their stability, shallow draft, and ease of handling, making them perfect for coastal exploration and ideal for sailors of all skill levels—from children taking their first sail to seasoned mariners. The boats’ beaching capabilities and simple rigging have made them a beloved choice for New England waters for generations.

This raffle holds special significance for IYRS, as the Beetle Cat serves as the foundational project for students in their 20-month Boatbuilding & Restoration program. Since 1998, IYRS students have lovingly restored and returned over 170 Beetle Cats to active sailing, with each project laying the groundwork for lifelong craftsmanship and maritime skills. The program not only preserves these classic vessels but also trains the next generation of skilled boatbuilders.

The winner will be drawn once 100 tickets are sold or by November 1, whichever comes first. Those interested in purchasing raffle tickets can request them directly from IYRS or contact Matt Breen, Development Associate, at 401.848.5777 x277. As with all raffles, the winner may be subject to applicable state and federal taxes on their prize.

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📈 Yesterday’s most-read

The following were yesterday’s most-read What’sUpNewp articles.

  1. Obituary: Lisa Fagan
  2. Obituary: Letty Champion
  3. What Sold: A look at 18 recent sales in Newport County (Sept. 8 – 12)
  4. Home of the Week: An inspired escape at Whitehall, 310 Corey Lane, Middletown
  5. Obituary: William P. “Bill” Egan II
  6. Newport City Council to consider harbor rules, major contracts at Wednesday meeting
  7. Tiverton home sells for $2.15 million, second-highest sale of 2025
  8. Record-breaking sale closes in Little Compton’s Adamsville village
  9. RIPTA implements fall service changes on 45 routes starting Sept. 27
  10. Newport Tree Conservancy to plant clonal sweetgum at Morton Park Oct. 9

📅 What’s Up Today

Weather Forecast

  • Today: Sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
  • Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. North wind 5 to 11 mph.

Marine Forecast

  • Today: Variable winds less than 5 kt becoming SW 5 to 7 kt in the afternoon. Sunny. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • Tonight: Variable winds less than 5 kt becoming NNE 5 to 10 kt in the evening. Mostly clear. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • The coastal water temperature is 65 degrees.

Sun, Moon & Tide

  • Sunrise at 6:30 am. Sunset at 6:47 pm. 12 hours & 17 minutes of sun.
  • High tide at 6:40 am & 7:08 pm. Low tide at 12:48 am & 12:32 pm.
  • The lunar phase is a Waning Crescent.

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

Newport County Public Meetings

  • No city or government meetings are scheduled

Cruise Ship Schedule

  • Saturday, September 20: Splendor
  • Sunday, September 21: Aurora & Enchanted Princess

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...