16 march 09 Corsair

BOAT: Corsair
OWNER: The International Yacht Restoration School [IYRS], Newport, R.I. http://www.iyrs.edu/
DESIGNER: Nathanial Herreshoff, Bristol, R.I. http://www.herreshoff.org/
BUILDER: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, Bristol, R.I. http://www.herreshoff.org/
YEAR: 1939
LENGTH: 35 feet [10.6 meters]
HULL: Teak over cedar
HISTORY:
Corsair has quite a history. She was originally built as a launch for J.P. Morgan’s 343 foot yacht – Corsair IV, but never served the purpose. Corsair IV was sent to join the British Navy during WWII before Corsair was finished. Corsair IV never came home.
Corsair was built to hang from the side of Corsair IV and still has the original hanging eyes in evidence today. IYRS students have gone completely through Corsair replacing all rotted and damaged wood. IYRS students are building their own futures by learning the skills required to rebuild the past. While rescuing historical objects- some of which are in distress- is the core mission of the IYRS student body, general wood working and lofting are taught as well.
Corsair is as much a part of our national history as are the mansions or Trinity Church. The fact that IYRS is centrally located on Thames Street, not just doing, but teaching the skills required to preserve our national artifacts is a blessing to our community that we should not overlook. The public is invited to the IYRS campus to view the restorations in progress. Just go down to the campus and walk in during regular business hours.