International Yacht Restoration School Graduates Students, Launches Skiffs

Students from  and one student from Tiverton graduated from the in Bristol, a state program designed to teach students about the maritime industry. The students built 12 foot skiffs, which they launched following the ceremony.

The students began with the basics, learning about the tools they would be using, and the proper way to use them, and from there went on to structure the boats and build them.

"It was really fun," Andrew Bettencourt, 16, said of the 5 week program. Students met 4 times a week, for five hours a day.

Not only was it fun, but educational, according to Megan Vento, who stated the program taught her "job readiness, safety, and teamwork."

Wendy Mackie, who helped facilitate the program, said the goal of the program was to "cultivate a workforce." Representative Richard Morrison addressed the group, saying "this is something... you should all be proud of."

Steve Eaton, the instructor for the course, said the most important thing he hoped students learned was "teamwork."

"You cannot be in this business and work by yourself" he said. 

Following the ceremony, the students launched their skiffs and learned how to row.