The research vessel "Malizia Explorer" is set to help advance marine research and climate protection in the future. On the afternoon of 6 June, the boat was christened by ocean researcher Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II of Monaco. Team Malizia's founders Pierre Casiraghi and Boris Herrmann were also present, as were team members, researchers, scientists and Peter Thomson, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for the Oceans and former President of the UN General Assembly.
Monaco and Malizia: united in favour of marine protection
The ship had previously sailed from the One Ocean Science Congress in Nice to Monaco, passing the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco on Avenue Saint-Martin on the way. Prince Albert II of Monaco spoke at the ceremony about the Principality's commitment to marine conservation. After the blessing by Padre Venard, the champagne bottle burst on "Malizia Explorer". YACHT online has already presented the new research vessel and its mission here.
Young members of the Yacht Club de Monaco took part in the christening, talking about their hopes for the ship's future expeditions and the importance of marine conservation for future generations. The Principality of Monaco's long-standing support for Team Malizia, scientific research and commitment to environmental protection is now being channelled into the mission of the "Malizia Explorer". The Yacht Club de Monaco is also committed to initiatives that promote sustainable sailing and marine research.
Today is an important milestone for us. To see 'Malizia Explorer' being christened here in Monaco, the place where our Malizia story began, is incredibly special." Boris Herrmann
Boris Herrmann experienced the day in the Principality as a proud team boss after his recent first training outings with his racing yacht "Malizia - Seaexplorer" and said: "The christening of the boat in Monaco is a step towards bringing sailors, scientists and creative people together to give the ocean a voice. Our mission has always been to raise awareness of climate change and the oceans."
Team Malizia: Competition and environmental protection
The 44-year-old two-time Vendée Globe competitor and six-time circumnavigator continued: "This research vessel is a natural progression of our team's mission and will allow us to expand our footprint, explore new regions, collaborate with scientists and spread the urgent message of ocean health and climate change while collecting valuable data about the oceans."
Also his companion Pierre Casiraghi, Vice President of the Yacht Club de Monaco and a member of the Monaco team for the Admiral's Cup at the end of July, was delighted with the XL addition to the team, saying: "This boat is a real logistical platform made available to scientists. This initiative is very much in the spirit of Team Malizia, which is based on two essential pillars: Competition and environmental protection."
According to the team, "Malizia Explorer" will contribute to global research efforts aimed at understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. It is equipped with state-of-the-art scientific instruments. This includes an OceanPack laboratory for recording important oceanographic data such as salinity, temperature, oxygen and CO2 content.
Living stories from the oceans
Soon, "Malizia Explorer" will also have a CTD rosette on board for taking water samples. The instrument will be used to analyse the effects of climate change on the oceans. In addition to data collection, "Malizia Explorer" will serve as a platform for collaboration between scientists, educators and communicators. The ship will host research expeditions, educational programmes and outreach initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between science and society.
According to the team statement: "By bringing the stories of the ocean to life, Team Malizia aims to inspire action and foster a deeper connection to the maritime worlds of our planet."
'Malizia Explorer' is hope in action." Dr Sylvia Earle
Sponsor Dr Sylvia Earle said. "It is important that we hope for change in marine conservation. But hope alone is not enough. You have to have the desire for change and then do something about it. That's exactly what this ship aims to do. It's part of a growing fleet and a growing global ocean exploration initiative that will lead to ocean conservation."
The first missions
After the christening, "Malizia Seaexplorer" will be will take part in the Ocean Wonders Parade in Nice on 8 June in front of the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC). Expeditions are planned for the Mediterranean, the Arctic and the Antarctic, focussing on areas of high scientific interest and strong public participation.
After travelling in the Mediterranean and completing a whale research project, the boat will head south to a region. It will fulfil its first major mission in the Antarctic. Prince Albert II of Monaco said: "Both poles are extremely sensitive and fragile areas. To better understand them, we need better and more scientific knowledge. That's why the 'Malizia Explorer' is so important."
In the coming years, further expeditions will take place around the world, including in the Arctic. At the start of this journey, the team is actively looking for crew members, research projects and partners who want to join the multi-faceted project and put it to good use. "This journey has only just begun," said Boris Herrmann in Monaco.
