The Museum of Yachting will open three new, concurrent exhibits this season. The exhibits span the 100-year period between 1883 when Rufus Bush first made plans to model and build the schooner yacht Coronet to 1983 when the America’s Cup left Newport. The third exhibit pays tribute to Sparkman & Stephens, the renowned yacht design firm and its founder Olin Stephens.

The America’s Cup –
The Newport Years
The America’s Cup, history has been forever linked with Newport since the first race here in 1930. During the 53 years that Newport played host to 12 challengers and defenders, yacht racing witnessed a remarkable period of innovation. The majestic
J-Class yachts were on the forefront of developing technology utilizing the first tank test models, steel hull construction and aluminum spars. The 12-Metre era can be attributed with the invention of the Cunningham and the trim tab, new techniques and materials in sail making, unique bow, transom and keel shapes leading finally to the famous Aussie innovation, the winged keel, that helped to end the longest winning streak in sports history. The exhibit also tributes the many colorful personalities that came to Newport to battle it out for the “Auld Mug”.

The Grand Voyages of Arthur Curtiss James
A yachtsman with past and present ties to Newport, James was the owner of two steam yachts, Aloha I and Aloha II, both quite a presence in Newport and around the world. The schooner yacht Coronet, being restored at the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) in Newport was owned by James in the 1890’s and is the last grand yacht from the Victorian era extant today. Concurrently the Coronet Restoration will be open to the public at IYRS.