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These Superyachts Lead a Double Life as Floating Labs for Ocean Research

Luxury sailing vessels like seahawk are hosting scientists in remote areas—and seeing new marine sanctuaries resulting from their efforts., chrissie mcclatchie, chrissie mcclatchie's most recent stories.

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Dead tuna heads aren’t quite the fine-dining ingredients typically found in a superyacht galley, but during its South Pacific cruise last year, Seahawk had three freezer chests full of them.

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The trend of yachts being loaned out to scientists is becoming more common these days as owners make good on promises of promoting sustainability via their vessels. Cruise lines Viking and Ponant have also jumped into the research game, creating luxury expedition vessels with labs that are now integral to their cruise protocols.

This trend is extending to owners designing superyachts that are hybrid research vessels. When Norwegian shipping magnate Kjell Inge Røkke’s REV Ocean launches in 2026 (the current estimated date of delivery), the 600-foot expedition yacht is expected be crowned the world’s largest superyacht. But it will be much more than that. Fully equipped with multiple labs for different disciplines, as well as advanced scientific equipment, the vessel will toggle between three modes: charter, research and expedition.

Other hybrids are already in the water. After a two-year rebuild at Damen that included the addition of research labs as well as a media center designed by film director James Cameron, OceanXplorer left on her maiden voyage in November 2020 to study the secrets of the Red Sea. The 285-foot vessel is the flagship of OceanX , an ocean exploration initiative founded by American businessmen Ray Dalio and his son, Mark.

Then there are owners like one Europe-based entrepreneur, who has designed a new 170-foot explorer yacht, for personal enjoyment and scientific research. As the summer launch date approaches, the owner is in talks with Yachts for Science , a program that connects scientists, researchers and content creators with yacht owners and crew for possible collaborations. The boat will be offered up free of charge for scientific missions. 

Asking not to be named, the owner’s vision, from the first sketches, was to design an ice-class vessel that combines comfort and practicality. Teak decking, for instance, is out. Dry labs, workshops, a diving compressor and special freezing capabilities are in.

Onboard will be two 29.5-foot tenders specifically made for exploration, as well as four cranes, each of which can lift up to four tonnes. The boat also has the potential to bring two containers of research equipment on the rear deck. 

For Seahawk’s American owners, their 170-foot sailing yacht has been a way to travel the world while leaving a legacy of good behind. Since departing the Mediterranean in 2020, the yacht has hosted scientists studying migratory patterns of pelagic species such as sharks and mantas in the Galapagos and Mexico. They have also helped survey coral reefs in Fiji’s Lau Islands, along with driving multiple charitable initiatives.

Seahawk’s rotational captain, Stephen Edwards, acknowledges that the type of equipment scientists bring with them doesn’t always match with the “superyacht perfection” stereotype.

But the tradeoff is the kind of work very few yacht owners and crew will ever experience. “We have video footage of our bosun holding the mouth of a tiger shark while somebody’s doing surgery on the other end,” says Edwards. “For the crew, this type of voyage is unique. They’re not going to see this in any other way.” 

There is also the reward that comes from knowing their efforts have made a difference. One of Seahawk ’s first missions was to find evidence of a shark swim-way between the Cocos Islands National Park in Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands.

“The hypothesis is that these areas have always been linked together, but it was a matter for science groups to prove this in order to get governments to stop large fishing boats from parking themselves in the middle of this highway and just grabbing everything that swam past,” Edwards says.

Seahawk’s owner provided a platform for an expedition led by MigraMar, a leading authority in migratory species. “We got into it at a good time, thanks to our tagging work,” says Edwards. “It really put facts behind the hypothesis.” Subsequently, at the UN Climate Change Conference in late 2021, a new 24,000-square-mile marine reserve was defined by Ecuador to safeguard migratory species.

Considering that these voyages have coincided with travels Seahawk ‘s owner had already planned, itineraries that combine yachts and science seem to be a win-win for everyone involved. “These missions benefit the crew, science and the environment,” says Edwards. “The concept is also very much part of the owner’s vernacular. He actually calls it his mission.”

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Research yacht Eugen Seibold

That climate change is affecting the world’s oceans is clear. The question is how quickly and dramatically the seas and their ecosystems are changing as a result. In order to conduct high-quality research over an extended period of time, it’s critical for a research vessel to operate emissions-free – so as not to contaminate the physical, chemical and biological samples collected.

Climate data from a yacht

October 2022 – After three intense years spent collecting samples on the high seas, the team…

Intern-ship: all hands on deck

September 2021 – Adventure on the high seas

Marine research aboard the Eugen Seibold

September 2020 – Video documentary

Goddess of the waves

September 2020 – The journey continues

Sailing the seas since 2019

September 2019 – The world’s greenest research vessel is testing the ocean waters

The Seibold sets sail

September 2018 – The maiden research voyage leads to the Canary Islands

What the Seibold can do

September 2017 – Vaccuum clean the air, for example

How the oceans influence the climate

September 2017 – Warmer oceans bring dire consequences

The innovative idea to research the state of the world’s oceans using a lightweight, eco-friendly sailing yacht was realised thanks to funding from the Werner Siemens Foundation. Since 2019, a team of researchers aboard the sailing research platform Eugen Seibold have been studying the changing seas. 

For a brief time, the sailing yacht Eugen Seibold was the property of the Werner Siemens Foundation. Then, on 20 August 2018, a ceremony was held in international waters off the coast of Norway to officially transfer ownership of the research vessel to the Eugen Seibold Foundation, which was established expressly for the purpose of operating the ship. The architect of the world’s greenest research vessel, Professor Gerald Haug, was highly pleased with the ship’s rather stormy maiden voyage, which led from the German city of Greifswald, up to Kristiansand in Norway, then back to Germany and the harbour in Bremerhaven. “The test run with winds of up to nine Beaufort was fantastic. The vessel proved entirely seaworthy.” After the initial voyage, the Eugen Seibold remained docked in Bremerhaven where all technical systems necessary for marine research were installed: the multisensor to register the physical, chemical and biological properties of the ocean’s waters (e.g. pH, temperature, salinity, chlorophyll); the mass spectrometer to analyse oxygen and carbon isotopes or to measure oxygen/argon; the flow cytometer to quantify the cells of microorganisms such as picoplankton, algae and bacteria; the “vacuum cleaner” to analyse the air’s chemical make-up and particles; computers to conduct an initial analysis of the data collected; and modern satellite communications technology.

In November 2018, the Eugen Seibold set sail on its first research mission. First, the six crew members sailed to the Canary Islands, where they had access to all the infrastructure they needed, including hotels, restaurants and a hospital – and a one-hundred-ton crane that, in a worst-case scenario, could raise the Eugen Seibold out of the water for repairs. This port is the home base for the crew, who will be spending the next ten years sampling all the different climate zones of the world’s seas.  Their journeys will span from the tropical ocean waters south of the Cape Verde archipelago to the edge of the sea ice north of Iceland. The crew also plan to study the next major El Niño phenomenon in the Tropical Eastern Pacific. Thanks to the comprehensive data collected, marine researchers will have a solid scientific basis to chart the current condition of the oceans in our age of global warming. Over time, a picture of the changing seas will emerge.

Facts and figures

The Werner Siemens Foundation financed the construction of the innovative research vessel Eugen Seibold. The Max Planck Institute will operate the vessel and interpret the data collected; in addition, positions for six postdocs, six doctoral students and one lab technician are funded.

Funding from the Werner Siemens Foundation

3.5 million euros

Project duration

Project leader.

Prof. Dr Gerald Haug, director of the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz and professor at ETH Zurich

Partners (selection)

Michael Schmidt Yachtbau GmbH, Greifswald, Germany Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz, Germany ETH Zurich, Switzerland

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• Science & Technology
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Observation Platforms: Vessels

Vessels are arguably the most critical element in any ocean-going venture. Once a ship leaves the safety of its dock, it is an island unto itself on the open seas, its crew at the mercy of the waves. Any ship, from a 15-foot sailboat to a 1,500-foot tanker, must carry all of the food, water, fuel, and equipment that its crew will need to live safely for the duration of the journey.

In the case of research vessels, such as those highlighted here, the ships must also be equipped with special tools and technology that allow scientists to explore ocean environments. Research vessels are highly advanced mobile research stations, providing stable platforms from which explorers can deploy equipment, divers, and submersibles. In addition, these vessels carry state-of- the-art electronics, computers, and navigational and communications systems.

Welcome aboard!

Blue water cruise

Lena Heins from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz crossed the Atlantic aboard the research sailing yacht S/Y Eugen Seibold. During the voyage from Cape Verde to the Caribbean Island of Grenada, she collected samples for various climate projects. Here, the scientist offers an insight into her work on the ship and tells us about dolphins, flying fish, and a climate archive on the ocean floor.  

On course for the Caribbean: Lena Heins sailed across the Atlantic aboard the S/Y Eugen Seibold. The 22-meter ocean-going yacht was designed in 2018 for the purpose of conducting marine and climate research.  

© Eugen Seibold

The S/Y Eugen Seibold is a 22-meter ocean-going research yacht designed for the collection and analysis of seawater, plankton, and air samples. Its propulsion by sail is not only environmentally friendly, but also makes it possible to collect samples that are free from contamination by the ship’s exhaust. The yacht boasts a water lab and an air lab, so some of the samples can be processed on location. At the end of November, I boarded the yacht on the Canary Island of Lanzarote to head first to Cape Verde and then across the Atlantic.

For my doctoral thesis, I am studying planktonic foraminifera – a group of single-celled organisms that float freely in the ocean. Most species are microscopic and live in chambered calcareous shells. When they die, the shells sink to the seafloor, where over time they form a natural climate archive that can be accessed using sediment cores. Since calcification takes place in interaction with ambient seawater, the temperature, salinity, oxygen concentration, and pH value are all preserved in the shells. Because of this, foraminifera serve as archives for reconstructing the climate of earlier epochs. I analyze the calcareous shells of present-day species and compare their composition with that of the marine environment. This is important, as it enables us to know how accurately the data represent the state of the modern ocean and climate, and thus to calibrate the paleoclimate data.

On our voyage, we followed a classic blue-water route – a sea route favored by sailors because ideal wind, weather, and currents can be expected at a certain time of year. The weather was a mix of sun, clouds, and scattered showers. The trade winds blew from easterly directions at an average of 20 knots, and we were able to cover most of the total of about 2200 nautical miles under sail. What really struck me was how alone you are in the Atlantic. In two weeks, we encountered only three other ships. But that didn’t make me feel uneasy; in fact, I was fascinated by the little microcosm of our ship contrasted against the boundless expanse of the ocean. Sometimes we were accompanied by dolphins, or flying fish would glide over the water. Time and again we sailed through large carpets of Sargassum algae, which are currently spreading rapidly in the Atlantic. At night we enjoyed a magnificent starry sky.

Our team consisted of four crew members and two scientists. My colleague Isabella Hrabe de Angelis was responsible for atmospheric chemistry, and I took care of the water and plankton samples. The two-person cabin I shared with Isabella was small but comfortable, with two closets and bunk beds. It featured an ingenious invention: a pulley that adjusts the angle of the upper bed, which allows you to kind of wedge yourself in so that you don’t roll around, even in heavy seas. Accompanied by the lapping of the water against the ship’s hull, I slept very well in the middle of the Atlantic. During the voyage, the on-board instruments were continuously recording data, and on top of that we took water and air samples at 12-hour intervals. We worked in shifts, ensuring that someone always had an eye on the instruments. Where there were technical problems that could not be solved with the help of the instrument manual, we were assisted by colleagues whom we could contact via the Internet. Fortunately, though, everything went according to plan, and we are very satisfied with our yield of samples and data.

After 14 days on the open sea, we finally entered a port on the Caribbean Island of Grenada. For me, that was almost the end of the journey, and five days later I flew back from there to Frankfurt – quite a temperature shock in the middle of winter! The S/Y Eugen Seibold, meanwhile, was sailing on to Panama. Over the next three years she will cruise in the tropical eastern Pacific and hopefully deliver more exciting data.

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• Support Ocean Research Project

Together, we design sailing expeditions to enable small, core teams of researchers to gather critical data from remote, sensitive areas worldwide. These observations allow a better understanding of the decisive factors impacting the Ocean’s health. By sharing this information broadly, we are determined to increase public awareness, especially among younger generations, and inspire change to protect the Ocean and foster a thriving marine environment.

Our decade-long initiative is designed to take action toward United National Sustainable Development Goals relative to oceanographic research. To learn more about our campaign, please check out our GO-MARIE Program .

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Matt acquired a steel schooner, the RV Ault , for expeditions. During the Ault’s extensive refit, an experienced mariner and doctoral candidate, Nicole Trenholm, joined ORP to help develop each trip’s science and education objectives. In 2013, Matt and Nicole set off on ORP’s first expedition; they spent 70 days sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, collecting samples of plastic debris and mapping out the eastern side of the North Atlantic garbage patch. The following year, ORP extended its marine debris research to the Pacific Ocean.

Ultimately, the information acquired through this research must be disseminated to the public. ORP is working hard to increase public awareness by incorporating educational initiatives and citizen science programs into its mission. The educational arm of ORP is to change human behavior by providing information about the abundance of single-use plastics and their environmental effects.

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Matching private vessels with marine research

The goal of Yachts For Science is to bring together yacht owners and crew with marine scientists, researchers and content creators and provide access to the oceans. This is achieved by utilising the thousands of yachts that are travelling the globe as platforms for research.

Yacht owners and crew - the oceans need you!

The world’s oceans make up the largest ecosystem on Earth. They cover almost three-quarters of the Earth’s surface and produce half of the oxygen we breathe. Oceans regulate climate and their chemistry is vital for planetary health.

Even so, it is estimated that less than 10% of marine life has been discovered and only a fraction of the ocean floor has been mapped. This means that there is no scientific baseline for monitoring the health of the oceans which are so critical for the future of humanity.

The fundamental reason for the lack of oceanic knowledge is the difficulties that marine scientists face in gaining access to the oceans to undertake research. Traditional research vessels are often large and expensive to run, unavailable or in a different location. This is where Yachts For Science can play a part.

The goal of Yachts For Science is to bring together yacht owners and crew with marine scientists, researchers and content creators and provide access to the oceans.

This is achieved by utilising the thousands of yachts that are travelling the globe as platforms for research. These partnerships will provide the vital information required for decision-makers to bring about the protection and recovery of our oceans.

If you own, manage, or are crew aboard a vessel that could provide berths for scientists get in touch now.

No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.

Published on December 15th, 2015 | by Editor

SYRF’s Wide Light Project Report Published

Published on December 15th, 2015 by Editor -->

Newport, RI (December 15, 2015) – The Sailing Yacht Research Foundation (SYRF) has completed the publication of reports on its landmark study of the hydrodynamics of offshore high performance boats. Dubbed the Wide Light Project as a description of the type of hull form studied, the final report was written by project leader Andy Claughton of Land Rover BAR and is available now on the SYRF website .

The project report and the data generated by this study are available in the SYRF Technical Resources Library , a unique online repository of research papers, articles and technical data related to the study of performance sailing.

The Wide Light study’s purpose was to provide insight into the accuracy of existing modeling methods in predicting the performance of typical Wide-Light designs. It is intended for this information to better inform and equip handicapping systems and box rules to address these designs.

Started in April 2014 and completed in November 2015, this study engaged five different stakeholders who carried out blind Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses on an identical test matrix using different computational codes and approaches. The same test matrix was run as a tank test for both canoe body only and appended configurations as a control for the hull geometry. The CFD results were compared with the tank test control results to determine CFD model accuracy.

This project helped illustrate the accuracy of commercial CFD codes in predicting the forces on a Wide-Light sailing yacht. In addition, this project provides a comprehensive set of data against which researchers may develop and validate their own numerical tools.

A shorter more general summary of the project was written by SYRF Technical Director Jim Teeters along with Dobbs Davis, and is appearing soon in the next February 2016 issue of Seahorse magazine . A research paper will also be presented at the next Chesapeake Sailing Yacht Symposium, being held in Annapolis, Maryland USA over March 18-19, 2016.

“This was an important study for those interested in not only the design of boats of this type, but also as a data source for handicappers interested in the behavior of these boats that act in both displacement and planing modes,” said Myles Cornwell, Executive Director of SYRF. “The 3D model has been made available and SYRF encourages CFD practitioners and students to use the results for their own validation of modern hull shapes.”

For more information on the Sailing Yacht Research Foundation, visit the SYRF website at www.sailyachtresearch.org .

(Above photo shows graphical output of a FINE/Marine CFD run of the model used in the SYRF Wide Light Project.)

Source: SYRF

Tags: Sailing Yacht Research Foundation , SYRF , Wide Light Project

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The Munson name has been recognized for world class survey and research vessels, including dozens of boats for the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Environmental Protection Agency, universities, and private research organizations. It is our firm belief that a research vessel that is practical, stable and seaworthy will make our clients’ job easier. Regardless of how many features you need, our team will work skillfully to design and fabricate a professional research boat. We offer numerous features and options to assist scientists and engineers in designing the perfect boat for your demanding jobs.

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Model: 24-20 Research

Montgomery, AL: The Alabama Water Science Center conducts hydrologic projects that address a wide variety of water-resources issues, including water supply, ground-water contamination, and the effects of land use on water quality. The Alabama USGS Munson is outfitted with Kohler 5EKD generator, roof mounted air conditioner, lifting davit, and a Garmin 4210 navigation system with GPS, Radar, and sonar capability.

Specifications

Model: 24-44 Research

Corvallis, OR: The USGS Corvallis Research Group conducts water science research to support the needs of federal, state, and tribal partners. Their 24’ Munson research boat is outfitted with a large console T-top with canvas enclosure, seating for 4 persons, flip-up work table, lifting davit, side boarding door, 12V washdown pump, Lowrance 9” plotter/sounder with triple shot transducer, 9.9 hp kicker motor and EZ Loader trailer.

Model: 25-13 Survey

New York, NY: The US Army Corps of Engineers New York District is responsible for the water resource development, navigable waterways and environmental remediation projects for 400 miles of coastline, 8 major river basins, Port of New York and Long Island. Their 25’ Munson is outfitted with a 600 lb capacity hydraulic A-frame and 8000 watt 480V 3-phase generator for powering a P-3 underwater vibracorer for collecting core samples of underwater sediments.

Model: 26-22 Research

Galveston, TX: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District fondly known as the "Custodians of the Coast". They operate their Munson on missions including flood risk mitigation, ecosystem restoration and military construction. It is also capable of launching and retrieving an ATV during shoreline protection and regulatory missions. Special features include wheelhouse window tint, roll down shades, a Kohler 5kW generator and a collapsible RAM mast.

Model: 26-23 Survey

Olathe, KS: Garmin International operates trailerable hydrographic survey vessels. Each boat features a foredeck moon pool with a derrick designed for deploying the latest high power survey transducer. A Kohler 5EKD 5kW gasoline generator provides power for survey equipment and cabin air conditioning. A Garmin 7212 plotter/radar/sounder navigation suite includes an autopilot system.

Model: 26-39 Research

Lake Roosevelt, WA: Created in 1941 by the Grand Coulee Dam, Lake Roosevelt stretches 150 miles and is Washington’s largest lake. The Lake Roosevelt Fisheries Evaluation Program (LRFEP) monitors fish populations, limnology, and water quality. Their 26’ Munson is outfitted with a hydraulic gill net roller, hydraulic davit, side dive door, tow post and engine guard. The outboard motors are installed on hydraulic jack plates to facilitate shallow water operations.

Model: 26-53 Research

Portland, OR:  The USGS Oregon Water Science Center operates the 26’ R/V Melanie Ann , a hydrographic survey vessel. Specialty outfitting on this vessel includes moon pool in the aft deck with telescoping arm for deploying high power transducers and a davit with variable speed reel for deploying towfish based sonar instruments and sediment samplers. Additional outfitting includes a retractable bimini top over the foredeck, side boarding door, flip out dive ladder, Garmin navigation electronics, computer work station and an amber light bar.

Model: 28-20 Research

Lacey, WA: The Washington State Department of Ecology use this boat is use as a shallow-water hydrographic survey and research vessel in Puget Sound, the Columbia River, and outer Washington coast. The wheelhouse features a workstation with room for computers and survey equipment. An enclosed head can accessed from the main deck. Survey transducers can be deployed via the moon pool on the aft deck.

Model: 28-67 Research

Port Isabel, TX: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley operates this 28’ Munson R/V Vaquero in their School of Marine Science. An 8’6” beam makes her easily trailerable and 16” draft allow her to navigate shallow coastal estuaries. The cabin includes a work station with CPU rack, head compartment and air conditioning.  Other outfitting includes fresh & raw water wash down systems, lifting davit, side dive door, dive ladder, and jack plates for shallow water operations.

Model: 30-4 Research

Bay City, MI: The discharge of pollution into Detroit's Lower Rouge River is now controlled by Michigan's wastewater permitting program. Contamination, however, may still be in the river's sediment. The EPA Research Vessel Mudpuppy II is a shallow draft vessel specifically designed for studies to determine the nature and extent of contaminated sediment in the Great Lakes basin. Features include an Onan 17 kW genset, removable sampling tables, and a Maxilift 1,100lb crane.

Model: 30-38 Research

Salt Lake City, UT: The State of Utah Division of Natural Resources operates this 30’ Munson as a fisheries research trawler for conducting biological assessments. The 1-ton hydraulic A-frame and two 1000 lb. hydraulic deck winches are used for net retrieval as well as towing a hydro-acoustic tow fin. Additional outfitting includes a 3” pipe davit, large swim step, heated cabin with hydro-acoustic workstation, 2000 watt inverter, Garmin 6212 radar/plotter/sounder, autopilot, and triple axle gooseneck trailer.

Model: 30-46 Survey

Fort Lauderdale, FL: The Broward County Public Works division is responsible for administering the county's Seaport Engineering and Construction Program. Their 30' Munson is used as a hydrographic survey vessel. Outfitting includes twin Dometic 120VAC Dura-Sea 15,000 BTU Air Conditioners, fixed aluminum engine guard, Onan QD5 5,000-watt diesel generator, large cabin incorporates port side survey workstation with 120V outlets, Universal Sonar Mount (USM). The 8 ft 6 in beam makes this boat easily trailerable.

Model: 32-14 Research

Seattle, WA: Research Support Services, Inc. provides technical expertise, boat support and research diving services to environmental consultants and engineering firms. The R/V Carolyn Dow is outfitted for the full range of near-shore sampling, surveying and diving operations. The a-frame travels the full length of the forward deck and can be folded for highway transport. A moon hole through the deck allows loads close to 2 tons with the a-frame oriented vertically.

Model: 32-41 Research

Sanibel Island, FL: SCCF (The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) is dedicated to conservation of coastal habitats and aquatic resources on Sanibel and Captiva in the surrounding watershed. This Munson 32’ catamaran provides exceptional stability for their water quality research and sea turtle rescue. The boat is outfitted with a Maxilift M110 knuckle boom crane, side dive door with removable ladder, Roll Control tank rack for 8 bottles, stern A-frame for towing research trawl nets, engine guard, jack plates, 2 tow bits and a walk-around wheelhouse with seating for 6.

Model: 32-43 Research

Boulder City, NV: The Las Vegas Valley Water District delivers tested and treated water to more than 1.5 million people.  The 32’ M/V Aqua Defender is used to research and maintain water quality management in Lake Mead.  Outfitting includes a 1000 lb. lifting davit, hinging work table on the bow deck, canvas bimini top, side dive door and 12V bow thruster.  The cabin includes two roof top air conditioners, work station with sink, refrigerator and head compartment.  Twin Yamaha 300’s are installed on hydraulic jack plates for shallow water operations.

Model: 34-1 Research

Greenville, NC: East Carolina University Marine and Coastal Science Program educates students on coastal and marine resources unique to North Carolina. The R/V Stanley Riggs features a one-ton A-frame located equipped with hydraulic positioning cylinders and a PL2 Pull Master Winch. A hydraulic winch mounted on the aft deck is capable of deploying and retrieving scientific equipment. Other features include an enclosed head compartment, Onan generator and a fly bridge control station.

Model: 34-8 Survey

Vancouver, WA: David Evans & Associates is a recognized industry leader in accurate, high-precision hydrographic and geophysical surveys for environmental, engineering and scientific applications. Their new 34’ Munson trailerable survey vessel incorporates an open transom design with hydraulic A-frame and deck winch for deploying various instruments. Rotating sonar arms are installed along the port & starboard sides. A 9kW generator provides power for two Dometic rooftop air conditioners and onboard computer systems. A large survey desk was provided with two CPU racks installed on shock mitigating mounts. Additional outfitting includes a head compartment in the cuddy cabin, Garmin electronics package, and dual control stations with Volvo joystick piloting and dynamic positioning.

Model: 36-1 Research

Ashland, OR: Sky Research (SKY) is leading the operational implementation of advanced marine technology for geophysical investigations related to remediation of munitions and explosives. The R/V SKY MRV was designed to locate and dispose of unexploded ammunitions using a variety of detection methods with the help of an A-Frame hoist and multi-beam side scan sonar. Interior features include a CPU rack, computer work stations and an enclosed head compartment.

Model: 36-4 Research

New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University uses their 36’ Munson research boat as a mobile lab for the Department of Marine and Coastal Services at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. This vessel was delivered with a US Coast Guard COI and is rated for 20 passengers and 2 crew members. Outfitting includes a Universal Sonar Mount (USM) for use with their Rio Grande Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, fore and aft davits, side boarding door, 5kw generator, and a Garmin 1040xs radar/plotter/sounder. The large cabin is equipped with A/C, forced air heat, a head compartment, and multiple work stations.

Model: 38-18 Research

Yellowstone Lake, WY: Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration uses their 38’ Munson to explore the depths of Yellowstone Lake, a large volcanic crater. The lake bottom contains hydrothermal vents with microbes and geology that are similar to what is found in the deep ocean. The 2-ton deck crane is used to deploy an underwater robot with sampling and filming capabilities for studying this extremely unique environment. The cabin is outfitted with a large workstation, head, air conditioning, and CPU rack. Twin Hamilton Jets with Blue Arrow controls and JET Anchor provides station keeping to set a single GPS point mooring for hands free operations while conducting deep water research.

Model: 38-25 Research

Port Isabel, TX: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley selected this 38’ Munson for their School of Marine Science. A Maxilift telescoping crane and multiple lifting davits are used to deploy and retrieve research equipment 100+ miles out in the Gulf of Mexico. Other outfitting includes a side dive door with ladder, USM (Universal Sonar Mount), Onan 17kw diesel generator with hydraulic PTO, hydraulic deck winch and fresh water washdown system. The cabin includes air conditioning, head compartment, refrigerator and four person settee. Electronics include a Garmin 7612 radar/plotter/sounder with AIS and Mercury joystick piloting system with digital anchor.

Model: 40-7 Research

Arlington, VA: Leidos maritime tests and develops their advanced maritime data collection systems using a Munson Research model. The expansive wheelhouse offers an enclosed head compartment and workstations for four technicians. AC power for the 60,000 BTU air conditioning systems is provided by a Cummins Onan 19 kW genset. A hydraulic sonar derrick and a sealed bow deck moon hole allow experimental sonar systems to be tested. The wave breaker encapsulates the sonar head while stowed.

“We just completed our maiden voyage on our new 23 foot Packman and I want to express our appreciation for the workmanship, maneuverability and functionality of the vessel. I know, if questioned, I can comfortably recommend to anyone seeking to acquire a new workboat that the Munson Boat Company can provide a quality custom fit product in a timely fashion. In addition, I’m very grateful for the level of integrity in which you conduct your business and the priority given to ensure that the customer is satisfied with the product that you have provided.”

Mark US Army Corps of Engineers

More From Forbes

Blue yachting philosophy: inspired by nature, created by rossinavi.

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Microscopic phytoplankton serve as the inspiration for Italian yacht builder Rossinavi's newest ... [+] designs under their BluE philosophy. Like this phytoplankton, the recently launched Seawolf X, the Project Infinity 42, and the Concept Oneiric are all designed to convert energy from the sun to use to power operations.

What do a 43-meter hybrid-electric catamaran, a 42-meter monohull superyacht, and a futuristic catamaran have in common with phytoplankton? Italian yacht builder Rossinavi can explain it in the simplest of terms: energy conversion.

Phytoplankton are single-celled photosynthetic microorganisms that live in water. Using chloroplasts containing chlorophyll, the cells collect the energy in sunlight, converting it into chemical energy and storing it to power cell function as needed.

Rossinavi’s sharp new AI hybrid-electric catamaran Seawolf X, the AI hybrid-electric monohull superyacht Project Infinity 42, and the AI concept catamaran Oneiric also convert sunlight to energy. Uniquely crafted solar panels collect the sun's energy, converting it into electrical energy to be stored in battery banks to power the yachts as needed.

Why It Matters

Both phytoplankton and AI hybrid-electric yachts have an important place in promoting a healthy marine environment. One supplies about half of the earth's oxygen and provides a basic ocean food web for aquatic populations while also recycling important ocean nutrients. A big job for tiny organisms.

The other supplies a more sustainable way for people to explore nature's oceans. Mindful that the oceans are sensitive to oceanic contaminants delivered via conventional yachting emissions, along with many other things, Rossinavi is taking a proactive approach.

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The fed quietly ‘admits’ gold is replacing the dollar as collapse ‘fear’ predicted to trigger a $15.7 trillion etf bitcoin price flip, private student loan forgiveness application is now available but few may be aware.

Rossinavi's recently launched Seawolf X belongs to the elite group of the Italian yachtbuilder's ... [+] BluE yacht collection. The 42.8-meter supercat has integrated panels for solar collection with Artificial Intelligence advising crew in ways to adjust operations for maximum performance and seamless guest comfort using minimal energy.

Using AI technology in tandem with solar panels and battery banks to reduce impacts to the flora and fauna of the ocean, Seawolf X can run day trips in full electric mode. This cat can also run multi-day excursions at 90 percent and transatlantic trips at 80 percent in electric mode. When docked or moored in hibernation mode, reduced energy consumption monitored by AI allows the yacht to return energy to the quay or property. It can power a villa if needed. A big job for a catamaran.

Project Infinity is also equipped with an AI system that monitors operations to assist crew in choosing more sustainable operations via integrated solar panels and a substantial battery pack. The superyacht can run 90 percent of day trips on full electric mode and 70 percent in full electric mode for transatlantic trips. A lightweight eco-displacement hull contributes to efficiency.

Rossinavi's Concept Oneiric stands as a beacon in sustainable yacht design, employing groundbreaking naval and interior architecture by Zaha Hadid Architects and top-of-industry technology. A yacht from the future, Oneiric is a unique sustainability standout with many creature comforts.

Seawolf X By The Numbers

Even from an overhead view, Seawolf X sets itself apart from the rest. Here showing off the ... [+] lightweight, durable, highly efficient solar panels and the bow deck which is convertible to a cinema, Seawolf X offers efficiency with AI management of systems, in tandem with sustainability from the solar energy converted to power the yacht.

The Rossinavi BluE label catamaran Seawolf X joins the elite fleet from the Italian shipbuilder's newest models created with an emphatic sustainability philosophy. Seawolf X measures 42.8 meters, stem to stern, and 13.8 meters across the beam with a draft of 1.85 meters.

Seawolf X sports a futuristic exterior with sweeping curves flowing to crisp edges, echoing lines of chic supercars. "We set out to envision the boat of the future, unbound by convention yet grounded in feasibility with cutting-edge technology for minimal environmental impact." said Fulvio De Simoni, Founder of Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design.

Seawolf X, a product of Rossinavi's BluE collection of yachts inspired by phytoplankton, cuts a ... [+] profile unlike any other.

The aluminum hull and exterior architecture is the result of work from Italian hands at Fulvio de Simoni Yacht Design . The New York firm of Meyer Davis Studio delivered the interiors.

With a sociable cockpit centered around a pool, an expansive sun deck, and a bow area that transforms to a cinema, outdoor spaces are generous, comfortable, and spacious. Four cabins of equal proportion are outfitted in thoughtfully selected sustainable materials using neutral tones, mimicking nature's most soothing elements.

Two diesel batteries can quickly recharge. The yacht is able to fully recharge via shore power in five hours.

Infinity 42 By The Numbers

This rendering illustrates some of the distinctive features designed for Rossinavi's stylish and ... [+] sustainable BluE Project Infinity 42.

Designed for sustainability and high performance, Infinity 42's monocrystalline silicon cells, seven times lighter than traditional glass panels, will record the highest power to weight ratio in the current world market. Highly productive in low sunlight and at minimum angles of incidence, these flexible cells will lend themselves to pleasing, curved design aesthetics.

Four lower deck cabins and one main level cabin are spacious and bright. Placement of the wheelhouse between the main deck and sundeck facilitates a low, streamlined, aerodynamic profile.

For these and many other reasons, Infinity 42 earns a triple zero: No emissions, no noise, no odors. Owners can thus enjoy the sea while respecting it.

Concept Yacht Oneiric

The inimitable style of Zaha Hadid lives on through the unique design like this for Rossinavi's BluE ... [+] concept yacht Oneiric, a sustainable power catamaran with sweeping lines that often identify the group's work.

The Oneiric catamaran concept, developed in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects, is the new Rossinavi sustainable technology flagship. The aluminum yacht concept measures 44 meters in length and 13.75 meters across the beam with a draft of 2 meters. Interior design accommodates 8-10 guests in 4-5 cabins served by 6-7 crew.

Interiors are light and spacious, using lightweight recycled and recyclable materials, optimizing performance and energy use. Fluid, organic lines common to Zaha Hadid Architectural style employ biomimicry at its best, borrowing palettes, textures, and patterns from nature's proven designs.

Fully electric navigation via three levels of solar collection make the most of solar technology. AI manages operations at the control center, advising crew in delivering optimal efficiency across all systems for the lowest environmental impact, energy consumption, and guest comfort.

Rossinavi's BluE Line

Rossinavi says it is working to revamp the image and the practices of traditional recreational yachting, focusing on ethics and environment. With sustainability as the guiding principle, Rossinavi created the BluE line, optimizing performance while minimizing emissions and maintaining a high level of guest comfort.

Designing yachts that respect the oceans, Rossinavi is working to connect with those seeking intense and exciting voyages while respecting the sea and reinforcing mankind's connection to it.

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The Alternative to Huge Cruises? 3 Masts, 28 Sails and Wind Power.

We checked out the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit on a Mediterranean cruise. In this era of gargantuan ships, its elegant clipper design, wooden decks and relatively small size stands out.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

From the bridge of the three-masted windjammer, the Sea Cloud Spirit , the captain called out the words we’d all been waiting for.

“Let’s set the sails!” he cried, after turning off the engines, while maneuvering to maintain an optimum angle for his 18 deckhands to climb into the shrouds and unfurl the ship’s 44,132 square feet of sails by hand.

Like acrobats, the crew scurried up the masts to the upper topgallant sails that rose nearly 200 feet above us. The ship’s captain, Vukota Stojanovic, later insisted that none of it was for show. “Whenever there is an opportunity to sail, we sail,” he said.

For the next hour, the crew hauled the ropes until the 28 sails were billowing in the wind, propelling the 452-foot-long ship — the world’s largest passenger sailing vessel on which the sails are raised by hand — toward its first port of call, Portofino, Italy.

At a time when cruise lines are packing their ever-more-gargantuan ships with water parks and basketball courts, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit, with its old-fashioned clipper design and wooden decks, stands out. It is the newest ship from the Hamburg-based Sea Cloud Cruises , and while it is the company’s biggest, Sea Cloud said it wanted to leave space for passengers to connect to the surrounding elements.

“Wherever you are on the ship, it feels like you are sitting on the water,” said Amelia Dominick, 71, a retired real estate agent from Cologne, Germany, who was on her third cruise onboard the Sea Cloud Spirit.

I had arrived for a four-night “taster sailing” from Nice, France, to the Ligurian region of Italy, designed to entice passengers to sign up for a longer cruise. Here’s what I found.

The ship and cabins

The Spirit has many comforts and luxuries, including a fitness center, library, hair salon and a spa with a Finnish sauna that overlooks the sea. The deck layouts are spacious, with nooks carved out for privacy and relaxation.

Sixty-nine spacious cabins have windows that open onto the sea. My room, a junior suite on the third deck, had two large arched windows, mahogany tables, a balcony and a comfortable couch and armchair. The marble bathroom was lavish, with a gold-plated sink and large jetted bathtub.

The elegant interior design is inspired by the original Sea Cloud, built in 1931 for Marjorie Merriweather Post, the American heiress of the General Foods Corporation, with glossy wooden panels and gold trimmings. The Sea Cloud was the largest private sailing yacht in the world before Post handed it over to the U.S. Navy for use as a weather-reporting vessel during World War II. The four-mast, 64-passenger ship has since been restored to its former glory and will sail across the Aegean and Adriatic this summer.

The experience felt authentic — even before the sails were set — with a detailed safety drill. On most cruises, the drill entails a safety video and signing in at an assembly point. But here, passengers put on their life jackets and walked through emergency scenarios that included rationing food supplies and fishing from the lifeboat.

Each day, the sails were set, even during heavy rain and wind speeds over 30 knots. Guests wanting to participate in the rigging are usually invited to do so, but the weather conditions made it too risky for this sailing.

“It was amazing to watch the work go into putting the sails up and down and to experience the wind power pulling the ship so fast without the engines,” said Malte Rahnenfuehrer, a 50-year-old psychologist from Zurich, who was traveling with his partner and two children.

The captain

It is rare for cruise passengers to see the ship’s captain after the initial welcome drinks or gala dinner. But Capt. Vukota Stojanovic was omnipresent throughout the cruise, from setting sails to lifeguarding to mingling with guests.

Originally from Montenegro, Captain Stojanovic piloted container ships for years. When he was asked to consider helming the original Sea Cloud nearly 10 years ago, he hesitated because he had no experience sailing. Even after he learned the ropes — and there are 340 ropes (known as running rigging) on the vessel — he was unsure. “I grew to love the sailings, the boats, the crew the lifestyle, but I still felt I belonged on container ships,” he said. “It would be a big adjustment, especially because I would have to shave every day,” he joked.

Eventually, he accepted the opportunity and worked tirelessly to learn how to sail and operate the ship. Today, he keeps an “open bridge” policy, allowing passengers to visit the control room, even when he is wrestling with the wind.

“The crew and the passengers are all part of the experience, and I like to meet people and receive their feedback,” Captain Stojanovic said.

Environment

Sea Cloud Cruises aspires to take a “gentle” approach, using wind power to drive its ships wherever possible, even if that means changing course for optimal weather conditions. When sailing is not possible, the Spirit has two diesel-electric engines that run on low-sulfur marine diesel fuel. The company is also working with ports that have shore power capabilities to plug into the local electric power.

Onboard, there is an emphasis on reusable bottles and paper straws, and crew members separate solid waste to be compacted and removed when in port.

Excursions and Activities

We made stops in Portofino, San Remo, Italy, and St.-Tropez, France, anchoring offshore and getting to land by tender — a contrast to the big cruise ships with their loud horns and thick plumes of exhaust spewing from their funnels.

For passengers wanting to take a dip (there is no pool), the crew marked an area in the water with floats and an inflatable slide. The water was frigid, but many passengers took the plunge from the swimming deck. Guests could also take “Zodiac Safaris” around the ship to get views of the vessel from the water.

Excursions ranged from food and wine tours to e-biking and beach trips. In Portofino, passengers were free to explore the sights independently, including the Castello Brown Fortress and the lighthouse on Punta del Capo rock. There was ample time to eat meals on shore as the ship did not depart until 11 p.m. Over the summer, the Sea Cloud Spirit will sail to Spain, Portugal, France and the Azores, among other destinations. On Nov. 11, she will depart for St. Maarten in the Caribbean for the winter.

Wherever the vessel goes, said Mirell Reyes, president of Sea Cloud Cruise for North America, the company tries to “stay away from the crowds and ports where big cruise ships spit out 6,000 passengers.”

Summer prices, which include food and beverages, range from $3,995 for a four-night sailing in a superior cabin to $9,420 for a veranda suite. Seven-night sailings cost between $6,995 and $16,495.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

Come Sail Away

Love them or hate them, cruises can provide a unique perspective on travel..

 Cruise Ship Surprises: Here are five unexpected features on ships , some of which you hopefully won’t discover on your own.

 Icon of the Seas: Our reporter joined thousands of passengers on the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas . The most surprising thing she found? Some actual peace and quiet .

Th ree-Year Cruise, Unraveled:  The Life at Sea cruise was supposed to be the ultimate bucket-list experience : 382 port calls over 1,095 days. Here’s why  those who signed up are seeking fraud charges  instead.

TikTok’s Favorite New ‘Reality Show’:  People on social media have turned the unwitting passengers of a nine-month world cruise  into  “cast members”  overnight.

Dipping Their Toes: Younger generations of travelers are venturing onto ships for the first time . Many are saving money.

Cult Cruisers: These devoted cruise fanatics, most of them retirees, have one main goal: to almost never touch dry land .

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He fell ill on a cruise: Before he boarded the rescue boat, they handed him the bill

by Bram Sable-Smith, KFF Health News

Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, had never visited the ocean. They'd never even been on a plane. But when they bought their first home in Saginaw, Michigan, in 2018, their real estate agent gifted them tickets for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

After two years of delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, they set sail in December 2022.

The couple chose a cruise destined for the Bahamas in part because it included a trip to CocoCay, a private island accessible to Royal Caribbean passengers that featured a water park, balloon rides and an excursion swimming with pigs.

It was on that day on CocoCay when Wasney, 31, started feeling off, he said.

The next morning, as the couple made plans in their cabin for the last full day of the trip, Wasney made a pained noise. Eberlein saw him having a seizure in bed, with blood coming out of his mouth from biting his tongue. She opened their door to find help and happened upon another guest, who roused his wife, an emergency room physician.

Wasney was able to climb into a wheelchair brought by the ship's medical crew to take him down to the medical facility, where he was given anticonvulsants and fluids and monitored before being released.

Wasney had had seizures in the past, starting about 10 years ago, but it had been a while since his last one. Imaging back then showed no tumors, and doctors concluded he was likely epileptic, he said. He took medicine initially, but after two years without another seizure, he said, his doctors took him off the medicine to avoid liver damage.

Wasney had a second seizure on the ship a few hours later, back in his cabin. This time he stopped breathing, and Eberlein remembered his lips being so purple, they almost looked black. Again, she ran to find help but, in her haste, locked herself out. By the time the ship's medical team got into the cabin, Wasney was breathing again but had broken blood vessels along his chest and neck that he later said resembled tiger stripes.

Wasney was in the ship's medical center when he had a third seizure—a grand mal, which typically causes a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. By then, the ship was close enough to port that Wasney could be evacuated by rescue boat. He was put on a stretcher to be lowered by ropes off the side of the ship, with Eberlein climbing down a rope ladder to join him.

But before they disembarked, the bill came.

The Patient: Vincent Wasney, 31, who was uninsured at the time.

Medical Services: General and enhanced observation, a blood test, anticonvulsant medicine, and a fee for services performed outside the medical facility.

Service Provider: Independence of the Seas Medical Center, the on-ship medical facility on the cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International.

Total Bill: $2,500.22.

What Gives: As part of Royal Caribbean's guest terms, cruise passengers "agree to pay in full" all expenses incurred on board by the end of the cruise, including those related to medical care. In addition, Royal Caribbean does not accept "land-based" health insurance plans.

Wasney said he was surprised to learn that, along with other charges like wireless internet, Royal Caribbean required him to pay his medical bills before exiting the ship—even though he was being evacuated urgently.

"Are we being held hostage at this point?" Eberlein remembered asking. "Because, obviously, if he's had three seizures in 10 hours, it's an issue."

Wasney said he has little memory of being on the ship after his first seizure—seizures often leave victims groggy and disoriented for a few hours afterward.

But he certainly remembers being shown a bill, the bulk of which was the $2,500.22 in medical charges, while waiting for the rescue boat.

Still groggy, Wasney recalled saying he couldn't afford that and a cruise employee responding, "How much can you pay?"

They drained their bank accounts , including money saved for their next house payment, and maxed out Wasney's credit card but were still about $1,000 short, he said.

Ultimately, they were allowed to leave the ship. He later learned his card was overdrafted to cover the shortfall, he said.

Royal Caribbean International did not respond to multiple inquiries from KFF Health News.

Once on land, in Florida, Wasney was taken by ambulance to the emergency room at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, where he incurred thousands of dollars more in medical expenses.

He still isn't entirely sure what caused the seizures.

On the ship he was told it could have been extreme dehydration—and he said he does remember being extra thirsty on CocoCay. He also has mused whether trying escargot for the first time the night before could have played a role. Eberlein's mother is convinced the episode was connected to swimming with pigs, he said. And not to be discounted, Eberlein accidentally broke a pocket mirror three days before their trip.

Wasney, who works in a stone shop, was uninsured when they set sail. He said that one month before they embarked on their voyage, he finally felt he could afford the health plan offered through his employer and signed up, but the plan didn't start until January 2023, after their return.

They also lacked travel insurance. As inexperienced travelers, Wasney said, they thought it was for lost luggage and canceled trips, not unexpected medical expenses. And because the cruise was a gift, they were never prompted to buy coverage, which often happens when tickets are purchased.

The Resolution: Wasney said the couple returned to Saginaw with essentially no money in their bank account, several thousand dollars of medical debt, and no idea how they would cover their mortgage payment. Because he was uninsured at the time of the cruise, Wasney did not try to collect reimbursement for the cruise bill from his new health plan when his coverage began weeks later.

The couple set up payment plans to cover the medical bills for Wasney's care after leaving the ship: one each with two doctors he saw at Broward Health, who billed separately from the hospital, and one with the ambulance company. He also made payments on a bill with Broward Health itself. Those plans do not charge interest.

But Broward Health said Wasney missed two payments to the hospital, and that bill was ultimately sent to collections.

In a statement, Broward Health spokesperson Nina Levine said Wasney's bill was reduced by 73% because he was uninsured.

"We do everything in our power to provide the best care with the least financial impact, but also cannot stress enough the importance of taking advantage of private and Affordable Care Act health insurance plans, as well as travel insurance, to lower risks associated with unplanned medical issues," she said.

The couple was able to make their house payment with $2,690 they raised through a GoFundMe campaign that Wasney set up. Wasney said a lot of that help came from family as well as friends he met playing disk golf, a sport he picked up during the pandemic.

"A bunch of people came through for us," Wasney said, still moved to tears by the generosity. "But there's still the hospital bill."

The Takeaway: Billing practices differ by cruise line, but Joe Scott, chair of the cruise ship medicine section of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said medical charges are typically added to a cruise passenger's onboard account, which must be paid before leaving the ship. Individuals can then submit receipts to their insurers for possible reimbursement.

He recommended that those planning to take a cruise purchase travel insurance that specifically covers their trips. "This will facilitate reimbursement if they do incur charges and potentially cover a costly medical evacuation if needed," Scott said.

Royal Caribbean suggests that passengers who receive onboard care submit their paid bills to their health insurer for possible reimbursement. Many health plans do not cover medical services received on cruise ships, however. Medicare will sometimes cover medically necessary health care services on cruise ships, but not if the ship is more than six hours away from a U.S. port.

Travel insurance can be designed to address lots of out-of-town mishaps, like lost baggage or even transportation and lodging for a loved one to visit if a traveler is hospitalized.

Travel medical insurance, as well as plans that offer "emergency evacuation and repatriation," are two types that can specifically assist with medical emergencies. Such plans can be purchased individually. Credit cards may offer travel medical insurance among their benefits, as well.

But travel insurance plans come with limitations. For instance, they may not cover care associated with preexisting conditions or what the plans consider "risky" activities, such as rock climbing. Some plans also require that travelers file first with their primary health insurance before seeking reimbursement from travel insurance.

As with other insurance, be sure to read the fine print and understand how reimbursement works.

Wasney said that's what they plan to do before their next Royal Caribbean cruise. They'd like to go back to the Bahamas on basically the same trip, he said—there's a lot about CocoCay they didn't get to explore.

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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