Matchmaking for superyachts and science

Superyachts and scientists. They might sound an unlikely pairing, but as yacht owners become increasingly worried about the state of the oceans they so love to play in, mission-driven partnerships between the two begin to make sense. Many yacht owners today want to help contribute to the scientific research that will ultimately safeguard the seas, after all – they just aren’t too sure how.

Enter Yachts for Science, co-founded in 2019 by superyachting bible Boat International, OFF (Ocean Family Foundation) and UK charity Nekton. “Our aim was simple,” explains Charlotte Hogarth-Jones, features director at Boat International. “We were to play matchmaker, uniting scientists who badly needed to get onto boats in certain areas of the ocean, with those private yachts that were travelling there.”

Superyachts, on the surface, with their helipads and their swimming pools and their spas, might not seem like the ideal scientific labs, but it turns out that many of these research trips are surprisingly light on kit. “Often, all that’s required is a few spare berths for researchers to sleep in, some diving gear, and a tender to help them get around,” explains Hogarth-Jones.

Where more technical equipment is needed, it tends to be relatively compact – devices placed in the ocean to monitor things like microplastic levels, for example, are not much bigger than a drone. “In addition to this, we’re seeing an increase in both explorer yachts that have things like submersibles, helicopters, and medical rooms on board, while there are a very small number of private yachts currently that have their own dry/wet labs on board too,” says Hogarth-Jones. One only needs to look to the likes of Legend and Cloudbreak for evidence.

Even those without all the technical bells and whistles are more than capable of making a difference. Take Dunia Baru, a traditional phinisi based in Indonesia, which hosted the scientist Erika Gress on board for two weeks on a pioneering project studying black corals. “The opportunity to tap into the immense experience of Dunia Baru’s team in the region, as well as the amazing dive set-up they have on board, was critical to the success of our project,” said Gress. “Our day would start at 6am with a cup of coffee and then we would prepare the diver-operated video system before the first dive, which would normally be for around 80 to 90 minutes. After that, we would have breakfast and download all the video and data before a second dive between around 2pm and 3pm, which would be for about an hour.”

For the owners, time spent on board during these projects becomes extra rewarding. Mark Robba, the owner at the time, said: “As a boat owner I have never felt so fulfilled. I’m always looking for a new challenge, but this was in a different league.”

EYOS Expeditions, who have since joined the Yachts for Science mission alongside Boat International and the other partners, have noticed a huge growth in this sort of interest from owners. “The truth is, it’s science that really seems to motivate superyacht owners these days,” says Rob McCallum, founding partner. “There’s a new generation coming through who have often made their money fairly young but are not particularly materialistic. They like nice things but they are more interested in experiences and finding out about their world, how it functions and how it might be better looked after in the future.”

It’s often the same story for charter clients. “The way charterers like to travel has changed significantly in the past 5-10 years,” says Hogarth-Jones. “Today, it’s not enough to simply enjoy a week of lazy lunches and sunbathing on board. People want memorable, meaningful experiences, and there’s no doubt that having a scientist on board leads to a trip they’ll never forget. For those who have children on board too, it’s a priceless opportunity to encourage their youngsters to engage with the natural world around them.”

2021 projects include Project Sargsink, investigating the carbon storage potential of seaweed in the Caribbean, an exploratory expedition of manta rays in the Maldives and a sharks, rays and seabirds study in the Indian Ocean. “Of course, it’s a challenging time for both owners and scientists at the moment, and a lot of travel is temporarily up in the air,” says Hogarth-Jones, “but we have a new selection of owners who are happy to help – it’s just a question at the moment of who can get where and when.”

Regardless of the current situation, it is clear that the response from owners has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. “They want to help, and are often happy to contribute funds personally or change their own plans significantly, in order to get a project over the line,” says Hogarth-Jones. Those 2021 projects look to be full of promise.