39°
Breaking the bottle on her hull will be the "godmother” or sponsor of the boat, Astrid Heidenreich of Greenwich.
The $2.7 million boat will be the only research vessel in the United States that runs on hybrid-electric propulsion.
It will also have a climate-controlled indoor classroom and outdoor research space. The new boat has room for 60 people, compared with 29 on the aquarium's previous vessel.
R/V Spirit of the Sound’s hybrid-electric propulsion system will reduce fuel consumption by an estimated 75 percent, benefiting wildlife.
“By running on clean quiet power without emissions, The Maritime Aquarium will be practicing what we teach,” said President Jennifer Herring. “And, with the larger capacity, we expect to double the number of school children who can experience our programming out on Long Island Sound.”
Brien McMahon High School student Kiara Valazquez won the contest to name the new vessel.
The 65-foot catamaran was built at the Robert E. Derecktor Inc. shipyard in Mamaroneck, N.Y. It was designed by Incat Crowther of Australia.
Initial public outings on the boat will begin in mid-December with Seal Spotting Cruises, with other opportunities starting in May with the aquarium’s 2015 season of Marine Life Study Cruises.
For more details about The Maritime Aquarium’s new research vessel and its public study cruises onto Long Island Sound, click here or call 203-852-0700.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
