Henrique Agostinho and Laura Beard are a yachtie couple who plan to set sail around the world in a purpose-built catamaran, starting in June 2017, for a minimum of three years. Passionate about the fight against marine pollution, their goal is to share their love and respect for the ocean with others, through education, scientific research and their association, Mission Ocean.

While Henrique started in the superyacht industry on board a 33m motoryacht as sole engineer, which led to work later on 40-55m vessels, Laura fell upon a position as a technical assistant in a shipyard specialising in luxury yachts in the south of France and quickly progressed to project manager. She now works as fleet manager for Camper and Nicholsons International in Antibes.

With Mission Ocean, the couple’s main plan of action is to work together with NGOs and other associations such as Ifremer to collect data using probes installed on the hull, to conduct observation and recording of cetaceans in different oceans; signaling incidents and pollution to the relevant authorities. Henrique and Laura will also be helping local populations along our route, and teaching them to better protect their environment. ?

“We will begin with a ‘classic’ world tour itinerary, which will naturally evolve in accordance with the seasons, and with the migrations of different marine species,” explains Laura. “We will also adapt our route in order to optimise the needs of the various organisations with which we will be working.”

Two research groups have already requested to come on board with the couple next summer, one to study dolphin migratory patterns and the other to dive on shark nursery grounds in the Mediterranean. With sponsorship already from GHMS, VMS, E-Touch and Marine Moteur Tech, Mission Ocean is already in good hands, but more sponsorship and associates are needed. Any equipment yachts plan to clear out, such as masks, snorkels, flippers, dive or fishing equipment would be welcome too.

To keep updated on Mission Ocean’s progress and find out how to get involved, visit the Facebook page here.

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