IYRS School of Technology & Trades is extending support to students, applicants and families affected by the recent closure of The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design in Arundel, Maine, offering guidance and a pathway for those looking to continue their marine trades education.
“We are saddened to learn of The Landing School’s closing and recognize the profound impact this has on students, families, faculty, and the broader marine industry,” said Kern Maass, president of IYRS. “Over the years, IYRS and The Landing School have maintained a close and collaborative relationship within the marine trades. IYRS graduates have gone on to further their training in Maine, while Landing School alumni have contributed to IYRS as educators.”
The Landing School graduated its first class in 1978.
Based in Newport, IYRS is a nonprofit school of marine trades and advanced manufacturing. The school is inviting current Landing School students, accepted applicants and prospective students to explore opportunities to continue their education at IYRS.
“At IYRS, we believe that unexpected change should not derail a student’s future,” Maass said. “Our commitment is to provide a supportive pathway forward — one that allows students to continue pursuing their goals with confidence, purpose, and momentum.”
IYRS offers four full-time programs in boatbuilding and restoration, marine systems, composites technology, and digital modeling and fabrication. This year, the school will also offer a nine-month Runabout Restoration pilot course to rebuild a classic mahogany motorboat.
The school is providing one-on-one guidance to affected students, including virtual information sessions on June 9 at noon and 6 p.m. and an invitation to attend the IYRS Summer Open House on Saturday, June 13, at 9:30 a.m. IYRS said it will also work to honor previous financial commitments made through The Landing School whenever possible, assist with transferring financial aid and conduct individualized financial reviews to identify eligibility for additional IYRS grants and scholarships.
Director of Admissions Bill Kuehl will serve as the primary point of contact for students navigating the transition and can be reached at 401-848-5777, ext. 203, or bkuehl@iyrs.edu.
Founded in 1993 as the International Yacht Restoration School on the Newport harbor front, IYRS is an ACCSC-accredited, nonprofit post-secondary institution. Its graduates go on to careers across industries including marine, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, wind energy and composites. More information is available at iyrs.edu.
