Did you see the superyacht on Waterford Quay? Here is why it so important
Akula docked on the Quay in Waterford City
Did you see the bright red superyacht on Waterford Quay this Friday?
Impressive though it is to see, the vessel will soon have a really important job to do.
AKULA is a luxary private expedition yacht.
It was built in 2024 by the Italian shipyard Rossinavi and designed by Gian Paolo Nari and interior design by FM Architettura.
According to the boat's website, it is 59.4m long, with a top speed of 15.5kts.
It has a range of 8,000 nautical miles and can stay at sea for up to 30 day, carrying up to 10 passengers and three crew.
According to the website, the yacht is "eco-conscious," and meets the highest international safety standards.
The yacht docked in Waterford on Friday but it also made a quick stop in Dungarvan on Thursday.
But the yacht is about to make a very important mission.
According to the philanthropic organisation Augmuntum this year the yacht will be used as a mobile base for researchers to explore the ocean.
The Nereide Project will see the vessel travel through the waters of the UK, Scotland, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the US, and the Caribbean.
The use of the yacht will support researchers in oceanography, marine biology, marine archaeology, geology, environmental sciences, sea physics and chemistry, and engineering.
