IYRS School of Technology & Trades will host one of two international Ocean Racing STEM Clinics on Aug. 24-25, a program aimed at drawing women into technical careers in the sailing and marine industries.
The clinic is a partnership between The Magenta Project, a global initiative working to expand opportunities for women in sailing and the maritime industry, and The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026. It takes place at the IYRS campus, 449 Thames St.
Participants will tour IMOCA race boats and take part in workshops covering navigation systems, renewable energy and onboard power management, ocean literacy, yacht design, and the lifecycle of high-performance racing vessels. The program also includes time with professionals working in marine engineering, naval architecture, boat building, performance data analysis, meteorology and sustainability.
“The STEM Clinics are designed to provide meaningful insight into how STEM disciplines are applied in one of the world’s most innovative and demanding sporting environments,” said Victoria Low, executive director of The Magenta Project. “By creating access to industry knowledge, role models, and practical experiences, we hope to inspire more women to pursue careers in these fields.”
Rebecca White, senior advisor for access and equity at The Ocean Race, said the goal is to build pathways that make STEM in the ocean sector more accessible and inclusive.
The clinics are timed to The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026, a fully crewed transatlantic race for the foiling IMOCA class that starts in New York City on Sept. 1 and finishes in Lorient, France. A second clinic follows Sept. 9-10 in Lorient.
Founded in 1993 as the International Yacht Restoration School, IYRS is an ACCSC-accredited nonprofit offering four full-time programs in the marine trades and advanced manufacturing.
Those interested in attending can submit an expression of interest through The Magenta Project. More information is at iyrs.edu.
