43° and Overcast
Image
On Thursday, September 12th at 7PM, Purple Turtle Productions and event co-sponsors, IYRS School of Technology and Trades, will host the premiere of Episode 1 of The Boatbuilders at the JPT Film and Event Center in Newport, RI.
The Boatbuilders is a documentary series that explores the rich legacy and present-day impact of the boatbuilding community in the northeastern United States. The premiere episode highlights Rhode Island’s maritime heritage and features local organizations dedicated to the preservation and restoration of historic sailing vessels.
The episode begins with an exploration of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company in Bristol, RI, renowned for its groundbreaking designs and America’s Cup-winning yachts. Known for crafting some of the world’s fastest steam yachts, torpedo boats, and racing sailboats, Herreshoff's legacy of innovation is a centerpiece of the episode.
Viewers will also visit the IYRS School of Technology & Trades, where tradition meets innovation. The episode captures the dedication and craftsmanship of IYRS alumni and current boat owners as they navigate the waters around Newport. The story culminates with a look at Outerlimits Offshore Powerboats, a pioneer in high-speed vee-hulled boats, and holders of the world speed record.
Team Talks
Following the screening, a panel discussion moderated by producers, and Dean College faculty, Gregg Seibert and R.A. Lawson, will offer the audience a unique opportunity to engage with experts in the boat building industry. Panelists include and Bill Kenyon, Dean of Students and Lead Instructor of Boatbuilding & Restoration at IYRS School of Technology & Trades. The discussion will provide insights into the current boatbuilding industry and explore Rhode Island’s role in the Blue Economy.
Tickets for the premiere can be purchased on the JPT Film and Event Center website: https://janepickens.com/shows/boatbuilders-docuseries-premiere. Tickets are $15 (JPT members), $20 (non-members) and $10 (students). Tickets include the viewing of episode 1 (35 minutes), a panel discussion on boat building, live music by John Baptista pre and post screening and a dessert reception.
Purple Turtle Productions was incorporated in 2005. It is a full-service video production company specializing in original programming and the editorial aspects of production. Other noteworthy projects of Purple Turtle Productions, Inc. include Bridging Cultures, Filter Only, Ravine, Perfect Run and Cool Stuff Dolphins. Purple Turtle Productions is currently seeking partners and support to sail on to the next episode in the Boatbuilders Docuseries which will follow the exciting adventures of on the Ocean State’s boatbuilders as they bring modern marvels of the maritime trades to life today. To learn more about the Boatbuilders Docuseries or how you can support the next episode, please visit www.turtleone.com/boatbuilders.
IYRS School of Technology & Trades is a non-profit, post- secondary experiential learning institution in Newport, Rhode Island and is the premier marine trades and modern manufacturing school in the United States. IYRS was founded in 1993 as the International Yacht Restoration School on the Newport harbor front. Since that time, IYRS has grown into a world-class learning institution offering four full-time, ACCSC-accredited programs. IYRS offers education & training programs for people with a passion for thinking and working with their hands. IYRS students go on to careers across a wide range of industries including marine, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, wind energy, and composites. For more information, visit iyrs.edu or visit us on Facebook IYRS.Training.Programs or Instagram @iyrsedu.
