Updates:
1st Voyage - 642 days
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2016 - Statewide Partnership to Study the Seas
University of Maine Marine Science Club students recently gathered to test the Maine’s statewide miniboat in the University’s Wind and Wave tank (W2). W2 is designed to test 1/8th scale models of marine industry projects, including Maine’s offshore wind turbines. The miniboat came through these tests beautifully and survived even the most extreme settings!Maine’s miniboat is for students across Maine, this project is supported by Maine Coastal Program, a branch of Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.Science club students are working hard to help Maine Coastal Program engage students of all grades across Maine by helping students understand more about marine science and coastal communities.
“I love this boat!” Hattie T, University of Maine student and active member of Marine Science Club, exclaims holding Maine’s miniboat with club president Emily C. -
May 21, 2017 - Launched into the Gulf Stream
In May 2017, Dirigo was launched alongside Patriot Pride and Black Rock from the State of Maine Training Ship into the Gulf Stream.
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September 2017 - Approaching land
In September 2017, with Dirigo was approaching the Iberian Peninsula, we initiated emails to prepare for recovery operations, but the Dirigo skirted past and started to sail west!
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February - April 2018: Almost a full circle
The Dirigo stopped reporting her position in February of 2018 and suddenly appeared again on April 25, only 467 km from the point where she started!
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February 22, 2019 - Found in Ireland!
After almost a year of silence, the Dirigo was recovered in IRELAND by Elizabeth Murray. She must have caught the Gulf Stream again and rode across the Atlantic one more time. The Dirigo is now in Schull, Co. Cork, Ireland, awaiting connection with a local school.
VOYAGE STATS
On this first voyage, the miniboat Dirigo sailed for >20,681 km (11,167 nm) in 642 days from dropsite in May 2017 to recovery in Ireland in February 2019. In a straight line the distance was only 4,620 km (2,495 nm). The average speed was 1.31 knots.
