In 1993 he helped found the International Yacht Restoration School, now known as IYRS School of Technology & Trades, and served as a trustee. IYRS took ownership of Coronet two years later and moved it to the school’s Newport waterfront location. Since its founding, the institution has gained worldwide recognition as a maker-builder school with an exceptional program for individuals who are passionate about “thinking through their hands” and making the most of modern technology to restore vintage vessels. To date, IYRS School of Technology & Trades has successfully brought back numerous vessels and trained students in specialized disciplines that are in demand for today’s workforce. The school has evolved to offer four accredited programs: Digital Modeling & Fabrication, Composites Technology, Boatbuilding & Restoration, and Marine Systems. Additionally, IYRS has collaborated with post-secondary schools of architecture, preservation, industrial design, and engineering through short-term classes, including projects with MIT, Harvard, RISD, Roger Williams, Salve Regina University, and others.
Schooner Yacht Coronet, 1885 • oil Coronet was one of the most elegant yachts of its day, designed for crossing the ocean in style, and featured a marble staircase, stained glass doors, mahogany paneled staterooms, and a piano in the main salon. It was built by the C. & R. Poillon Shipyard in Brooklyn for Rufus T. Bush, off plans designed by William Townsend. Since 1995, the vessel has been on the IYRS campus undergoing restoration. In 2006, Coronet Restoration Partners purchased the project to continue this important restoration effort.
Shamrock V • 20 x 48 inches: Shamrock V was the first British yacht to be built to the new J-Class rule and the only remaining J-Class
to have been built in wood. She was commissioned by Sir Thomas Lipton for his fifth America’s Cup challenge. Although refitted several times, Shamrock is the only J-Class never to have fallen into dereliction.
John Mecray’s Legacy
John Mecray was a treasured member of the maritime community and contributed to it on so many levels: through his art, in helping to create and fund restoration projects, by working to establish museums, and co-founding IYRS. He was also an active and generous member of the National Maritime Historical Society, New York Yacht Club Fine Arts Committee, Mystic Seaport Museum’s Yachting Committee, the Fort Worth Boat Club, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Herreshoff Marine Museum. In 2007 the National Maritime Historical Society recognized Mecray with its Distinguished Service Award at its annual awards dinner held at the New York Yacht Club in New York City, in recognition of his devotion and influence in preserving our maritime heritage, and for his work in helping to preserve the historic schooner Coronet. SEA HISTORY 164, AUTUMN 2018 25