NEWPORT, R.I. — Ah, those sailors. They're never more than a stone's throw from the water — or a bar. The summer gala of the International Yacht Restoration School offered both in one spot.

The event, which took place July 12 at the school on Newport's waterfront, was the highlight of a weekend of activities celebrating the convergence of IYRS and the Museum of Yachting.

A New Launch took place in the Restoration hall — decorated by Richard Carbotti with flickering lanterns, towering panels of black and citron fabric, Hollywood-style lighting and a classic Beetle Cat sailboat at the center — and included a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing and a live auction conducted by Gary Jobson.

We hear that before Jobson got this auctioneer's gig, he handled a tiller or two. Joe Dockery was chairman and Carol O'Malley was chairwoman of gala, which raised $660,000 for the Museum of Yachting and IYRS.

IYRS trains tradespeople for careers in the marine industry, a business critical to the state's economy, and in turn preserves the craft of classic-boat restoration.

Weekend events also included an opening reception for an exhibition and sale of American marine art at William Vareika Fine Arts; an auction preview party staged around the museum's three new exhibitions; on-the-water activities aboard a fleet of classic and modern yachts; and a farewell brunch at the New York Yacht Club.

More than 500 people attended the summer gala.

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Story by Shannon Donnelly

Photos by Cheryl Richards