Humpback Whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, provided the reason for a recent expedition to the Silver … [+]
Imagine: One boat. Five days. Thirteen people. Thousands of humpback whales.
Nothing compares. Just ask Alexei Mikhailov, Founder and CEO of luxury superyacht builder Bering Yachts, who recently teamed up with Mission Blue through Yachts For Science, two nonprofits, for five days of research on humpback whales in the Silver Bank calving zone.
The Bering 92 Papillon as it prepared to carry the team to the research area of the Dominican … [+]
Anchoring eighty miles off the northeast shore of the Dominican Republic, the team quickly got to work as they were surrounded by humpback whales coming to Silver Bank to mate and birth calves. Learning, discovering, sharing academic as well as cultural knowledge, there was great communication among the scientists and crew.
Mikhailov described the profuse conversation and exchange of information while on board for the expedition, noting that the thirteen people represented nine different nationalities with a wealth of knowledge from previous work.
A Newfound Passion For A Sturdy Yacht
“I got first hand experience of how to be on board a yacht in collaboration with the expedition,” Mikhailov said, emphasizing that “The amount of information, the density of information, the value of this information, was incredible.” He added that not a moment was wasted. People eagerly shared their expertise with one another about various expeditions and research findings, along with details relating to culture and family. All that while surrounded by thousands of whales in this protected calving area was “Marvelous,” Mikhailov exclaimed.
The team of international researchers and crew aboard the Papillon for the five-day expedition to … [+]
Not your everyday superyacht experience, there is increasing interest in the use of superyachts as vehicles for research. Organizations like Yachts For Science specialize in matching marine research projects to superyachts, creating expeditions that explore everything from coral reefs and marine flora to whales and microalgae.
It takes a village. The long list of those who worked to make the expedition possible includes the … [+]
Trip From Freeport to Silver Bank A Rough One
According to Mikhailov, the first four days were a little rough as the boat left from Freeport in the Bahamas en route to the Dominican Republic, experiencing rough weather with 25 knot winds. Many on board agreed that most research boats might not be very comfortable under those conditions. Papillon, the Bering 92 the group was on, was built for just such conditions. With its steel hull and two stabilizers, Papillon made walking, cooking, sleeping, even reading, comfortable with no issues.
The Silver Bank area of the Dominican Republic Marine Sanctuary is visited by as many as 3,000 … [+]
DR 30-30 Pledge For Ocean Protection
The government of the Dominican Republic has committed to protect 30 percent of its ocean areas within the Exclusive Economic Zone by 2030. The protected area would include coral reefs, deep-sea corals, seamounts, whale aggregations, and a section of the deepest zone of the Atlantic Ocean, the Puerto Rico Trench. This expedition set out to photo ID individual whales and collect eDNA samples to determine which species have visited the area.
Humpback fluke as the whale completes a visit to the surface.
Mikhailov is ready to continue to partner with such expeditions in the future, hoping that his participation will encourage others, triggering a robust Caribbean effort. Bering has compiled footage for a video recording highlights of the expedition in anticipation of completing many more in additional locations from the Mediterranean to the Antarctic.
About The Boat
The Bering 92 Papillon measures 29.08 meters with a 6.74 meter beam and a 1.85 meter draft. She carries a 3.6 meter tender, ten guests, and four crew across three decks. Equipped with two Cummins QSM engines and 1220 hp, she has a range of 3500 nautical miles at cruise speed with a maximum speed of 13 knots. Five solar panels, a saloon, a formal dining and entertainment area, an aft al fresco cockpit, swim platform, wet bar with grill, jetski, and spacious crew area, Papillon is engineered and outfitted for a combination of safety and comfort.
Designed to weather the storm, Bering yachts are built to be safe and capable for both owners and passengers. Sturdy, modern designs minimize noise and vibration, reduce fuel consumption, and engage alternative energy solutions. Active participants in conservation efforts, not just for videos and marketing, but with genuine commitment, Bering is positioning itself as a steward of the environment it operates in to improve the future for a thriving marine ecosystem.
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