Expedition yachts get used for all kinds of adventures, by owners who dream of seeing remote parts of the world and of cruising in destinations where few other humans have ever stepped foot. In the case of the Bering 92 Papillon, the idea was to undertake adventurous cruising with a purpose.
Alexei Mikhailov, founder of Bering Yachts, has established partnerships with organizations dedicated to marine conservation. In the Caribbean, they include Yachts for Science and Mission Blue, which involves marine research. Supported by the Government of the Dominican Republic, these organizations conduct research in Silver Bank, a protected breeding and calving area for the North Atlantic humpback whale.
This year, Papillon served as the research base, offering a safe, comfortable and stable platform for researchers and videographers to do their work and document it.
The project marked Bering Yachts’ first involvement in a marine life preservation initiative to give explorer-type yacht ownership a meaningful purpose.
For five days, 13 people from nine nations were aboard Papillon. They engaged in scientific discussions; swam with whales; filmed, photographed and identified individual whales; and collected DNA samples.
Mikhailov participated in the entire expedition. He returned with profound memories and a renewed commitment to continue these activities, according to a press release issued by Bering Yachts.
“The Silver Bank expedition will be the first of many, with plans for future collaborations spanning from the Mediterranean to the Antarctic,” according to the press release. “Several Bering yacht owners have already expressed interest in participating in upcoming projects.”
What makes Bering’s yachts good for research projects? According to the shipyard, key elements include minimal noise and vibration pollution, reduced fuel consumption and alternative energy solutions.
Where to learn more: go to beringyachts.com
