Sailing
ExploraGyre expedition aims at studying plastics in the North Atlantic ocean. It started the 30th September 2018 for a transatlantic round-trip, crossing the Atlantic gyre, this large circular marine current concentrating plastics in its center. We sailed from Britain coasts to the Cape Verde. End of December, we crossed the Atlantic Ocean during 18 days to join the West Indies, more precisely Barbados. Then, after navigating along the Caribbean, we will cross the Atlantic towards the Azores back to the French coasts. We will end up this expedition around June 2019 back in Brittany. This trip is only a plan for now and it will be adapted depending on the weather. However, this way, we will benefit from the trade winds for the two crossings and pass through the gyre (off the coast of North America) under the better conditions.
ExploraGyre aims at being eco-friendly. We are aware of energy issues. The crew naturally chose a sustainable mean of transport: a sailing boat. The energy needed for scientific and shipping tools will come from sun and wind powers.
This project requires impeccable preparation to ensure the safety of the crew and the scientific viability of the experiments. The sailboat, about 12 meters long, is the key point of this expedition and needs special attention. It must be equipped for offshore cruising and therefore various facilities are necessary. Survival and safety features such as the lifeboat, harness with shoulder harness and beacons (AIS and EPIRB) are required. Electronic instruments such as GPS and VHF / BLU radio must also be up-to-date and functional. To ensure communications with the earth, an Inmar® telephone and subscription will also be purchased. This list of equipment is not exhaustive, but reflects the diversity of equipment necessary for the smooth running of the expedition.
Credit: Sea Education Association