For nearly two years, Robert Brewin embarked on an unconventional journey aboard the superyacht Archimedes, traversing from the Caribbean Sea to the Antarctic Ocean. Brewin, a senior lecturer at the University of Exeter, was not there for luxury but for science. Equipped with a Sea-Bird Scientific Solar Tracking Aiming System, the yacht helped him study microplankton by measuring light reflecting off the ocean surface, a crucial task for verifying satellite imagery.
Brewin’s research aboard the Archimedes, a 222-foot adventure yacht previously owned by hedge fund manager James Simons, is part of a growing trend. Many scientists now use expedition yachts to conduct vital ocean research. A paper published in January by Brewin and his colleagues highlighted the potential of using superyachts for science, suggesting that engaging wealthy citizen scientists could help bridge research gaps.
This innovative approach is supported by organizations like the Yacht Club of Monaco and the Explorers Club, a New York-based group dedicated to exploration and science. In March, they co-hosted an environmental symposium celebrating yacht owners committed to marine conservation. The Archimedes received the “Science & Discovery” award for its contributions.
Rob McCallum, an Explorers Club fellow and founder of EYOS Expeditions, underscores the importance of utilizing these vessels for science rather than leaving them idle. EYOS charters private yachts for scientific expeditions and is a founding member of Yachts for Science, an organization that matches yachts with scientists needing sea time. This year, Yachts for Science aims to facilitate $1 million worth of donated yacht time, with ambitions to increase this figure to $15 million by 2029.
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Tom Peterson, co-owner of an insurance underwriting company in California, exemplifies this spirit of giving. For the past decade, Peterson has donated time on his 24-meter yacht Valkyrie to scientists, offering them a stable platform for research. Partnering with the International SeaKeepers Society, Peterson provides invaluable support to projects like the Shark Lab at California State University Long Beach.
Despite the environmental concerns associated with superyachts, some experts believe their use in scientific research can offer a net positive impact. The substantial carbon footprints of these vessels are well-documented, with one study comparing a single 71-meter superyacht’s emissions to those of 200 cars annually. However, by repurposing these yachts for research, their owners can contribute to a deeper understanding of the oceans.
Adventure yacht owners, typically younger and interested in remote destinations, are driving this trend. “They’re not content to just hang out in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean,” says McCallum. These yachts venture to the Arctic, Antarctica, and other remote regions, providing crucial access for scientific exploration.
The demand for dedicated research vessels far exceeds the supply. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a fleet of 15 vessels, but can only fulfill a fraction of the 15,000 to 20,000 days of annual boat time requested by scientists. This shortfall is significant as the oceans, which produce over half of our oxygen and absorb 30% of carbon emissions, play an existentially important role in regulating the planet’s climate.
G. Mark Miller, a retired NOAA officer, proposes a different solution: building smaller, affordable research vessels. His company, Greenwater Marine Sciences Offshore, aims to offer these vessels at a fraction of the cost of traditional NOAA boats, enabling more extensive and accessible ocean research.
The collaboration between yacht owners and scientists not only advances scientific knowledge but also inspires public interest in marine conservation. Christopher Walsh, captain of the Archimedes, relishes the educational opportunities these initiatives provide. “Streaming our findings to classrooms generates incredible enthusiasm among students,” he says. “That gives me a lot of hope for the future.”
By leveraging superyachts for scientific research, we can turn luxury into a valuable tool for understanding and protecting our oceans. As this trend grows, so does our collective ability to address the pressing environmental challenges of our time. For more information on how superyachts are being used in scientific research, visit Clarah.
