As we close out a remarkable year, we reflect on the milestones, discoveries, and connections that made 2024 unforgettable for Sail for Science. This year, we continued our mission to engage sailors and ocean enthusiasts in contributing to vital oceanographic research. Here are some highlights:
1. Empowering the Fleet of Citizen Scientists
In 2024, we welcomed cruising sailors from around the world to join our initiative. Through workshops and presentations, we empower sailors with the knowledge of how to collect high-quality oceanographic data while navigating the seas.
2. Pioneering the Use of Profiling CTD Systems onboard a Sailing Vessel
A major highlight was the successful integration and use of profiling CTD measuring systems aboard Oceanolog. These systems allowed us to collect critical thermodynamic data efficiently and showcased how accessible oceanographic research can be for sailors and small-scale expeditions.
3. Deployment of the First Argo Float from a Sailboat in the Americas
A groundbreaking moment in 2024 was the successful deployment of an Argo float in the Caribbean Sea on May,17th. This marked the first time an Argo float—used for critical long-term monitoring of ocean temperature, salinity, and currents—was launched from a sailboat in the Americas. This achievement showcases how small-scale expeditions can significantly contribute to global oceanographic networks.
4. New Partnerships and Generous Support
This year, our project received incredible support from industry leaders. Guildline Instruments generously provided a package of IAPSO Standard Seawater to ensure the accuracy of salinity measurements from our CTD systems. Additionally, RBR Ltd. provided free-of-charge re-calibration and servicing of our CTD system, ensuring top-notch data quality for our measurements. These partnerships are a testament to the shared commitment to advancing ocean science.
5. Ocean Exploration Milestones
The sailboat Oceanolog made waves—both literal and figurative—as we navigated from Ottawa to the Caribbean, collecting megabytes of physical and biogeochemical oceanographic data. Along the way, we conducted numerous CTD casts, refined our onboard Micro-salinometer, and contributed valuable data to better understand our changing oceans.
6. Capturing the Power of Nature: Post-Hurricane Beryl Exploration
One of the most memorable and challenging moments of 2024 was passing through the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Our team conducted scientific measurements during this passage, collecting critical ocean data that captured the impact of hurricanes on the marine environment. This experience highlighted the resilience of nature and the importance of understanding how extreme weather events affect the ocean. We also visited islands heavily affected by Hurricane Beryl, witnessing the recovery process firsthand and documenting the profound changes left in the storm’s wake.
7. Raising Awareness Through Storytelling
We shared our journey through detailed blogs, photos, and videos, bringing the beauty and challenges of our journey to audiences worldwide. Highlights included visits to the Oceanographic Institutes, Historical Lighthouses, National Parks, scientific reflections on CTD technology, and memorable experiences sailing the East Coast of the USA, Bahamas, and Caribbean Islands.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we prepare for another year of adventures and discoveries, we remain deeply grateful to our supporters, partners, and fellow sailors. Together, we’re proving that science and sailing are not just compatible but complementary pursuits that inspire curiosity and drive change.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to the discoveries awaiting us in 2025!
Fair winds and following seas,
The Sail for Science Team