For the past 938 days, an extraordinary boat has been doing revolutionary work in the world’s oceans, literally delving into the deep, trawling our earth’s ecosystems...
For the past 938 days, an extraordinary boat has been doing revolutionary work in the world’s oceans, literally delving into the deep, trawling our earth’s ecosystems and forming a baseline knowledge of sampling information that will serve to enlighten us on subjects spanning climate change, marine biology and evolution. This boat is the TARA, formerly owned by sea-faring legend Sir Peter Blake, and acquired by the agnès b. foundation in 2004 as part of Agnès Trouble's commitment to humanitarian and environmental aid and progress. Profiled in the latest issue of AnOther Magazine, her most recent voyage was focused on the acquisition and study of plankton; carrying an eclectic mix of scientists, sailors, researchers, coordinators and artists on a peripatetic journey zigzagging across the globe; a three year odyssey which has at last come to a end with this week's triumphant arrival into London’s St Katharine’s Docks.
"TARA, an extraordinary boat doing revolutionary work in the world’s oceans..."
To celebrate her arrival, last night AnOther and pop science collective super/collider co-hosted an event on board the TARA. This was not only an incredible opportunity to explore below the deck of this very unusual ship, but also a chance to talk to key members of the crew and science teams about their experiences. Captain of the boat, Loic Vallette, explained the dramatic alterations that had been made to the structure of the schooner to allow her to sail unflustered through so many different climates and conditions, and Chris Bowler, who took the role of Chief Scientist for many legs of the trip, gave a fascinating hint of the greater scientific understanding of our world that had been brought to the surface as a result of Tara’s research. The talks were accompanied by images of the diverse species of plankton that were the focus of the research; organisms that are of course fascinating in their scientific relevance, but also as aesthetic objects staggeringly beautiful and strange. A combination of nautical insights and inspiring scientific commentary, guests left Tara feeling inspired and excited for the future of this exciting venture.
Tara will be docked at St Katharine's Docks until September 27. Click here to find out more about events and visits.
Text by Tish Wrigley
