Yachts for Science
Published 08 septembre 2025
Less than 10% of marine life has been identified. Only a sliver of the ocean floor has been mapped. And for the scientists determined to change that, competition for specialist research ships is fierce and vessel time is costly.
Meet Yachts for Science (YFS): a not-for-profit bridging that gap by pairing ocean-minded yacht owners and crews with researchers who need access to the sea. It’s a way for the yachting world to give back: transforming downtime into discovery, and pleasure into purpose.
SCINTILLA MARIS: from fishing trawler to eco-explorer
Launched in 1989 as one of the last eight mighty North Atlantic fishing trawlers from Damen Maaskant Shipyards, SCINTILLA MARIS was built for strength, stamina, and all-weather capability. In 2023, she was reborn at the very yard that built her – completely reimagined from the hull up as a stylish, go-anywhere eco-explorer.
Her hybrid propulsion system means she can run fully electric – near-silent, fuel-efficient, and unrestricted in areas with carbon-emission bans. Dynamic Positioning keeps her steady without anchoring, making her ideal for sensitive coral reefs, fragile fjords, or wildlife encounters.
Inside, she’s bold and contemporary: skylights, curved walls, and splashes of red, green, and yellow give her the feel of a modern loft on the water. Her flexible cabin set-up and high crew-to-guest ratio make her equally adaptable for guest service or scientific missions.
Mission: Iceland
In August, SCINTILLA MARIS embarked on her first YFS mission with Dr Paige Maroni of the University of Western Australia, a deep-sea marine biologist specialising in polar ecosystems. Departing Akureyri in northern Iceland, the expedition traced the dramatic Eastfjords to Breiðdalsvík over six days.
The goal: to reveal the hidden biodiversity of polar waters, close critical knowledge gaps, and support future conservation strategies. Guests on board will witness science in action – from sample collection to data analysis – in one of the world’s most otherworldly, weather-shaped landscapes.
To read the full diary from SCINTILLA MARIS' Icelandic research voyage, click here.
Why owners should get involved
If your yacht has downtime, it could be part of something extraordinary. Registering with YFS is simple: once your vessel is in the database, the team will connect you with suitable missions that fit around your schedule.
You’ll host a small team of scientists, contribute directly to marine conservation, and share a once-in-a-lifetime experience with family or friends. Your crew will gain specialist skills, and your yacht will enjoy positive global media exposure, including coverage in BOAT International.
Other missions in need of yachts
Barbados:
Work with YFS and Blue Marine Foundation to gather essential data for the protection and sustainable management of Barbados’s marine environment. A true legacy project for yacht and owner.
Dominican Republic:
Join scientists on Silver Bank, a protected marine reserve and calving ground for humpback and sperm whales. With government permits granted only to research teams, this is an intimate, rare opportunity to witness hundreds of whales in their breeding habitat.
Explore more missions, join the YFS database, and see how your yacht can make a difference at yachtsforscience.com. From polar research to coral reef conservation, there’s a mission waiting for you – and a chance to turn your yacht into a vessel for change.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for charter and yachts for sale, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.
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