The research vessel sailing vessel (S/V) One Ocean is set to embark on a 27,300-nautical-mile
journey around North and South America as part of the Around the Americas Sailing
Research and Education initiative.
The vessel, which has undergone extensive refits at Skagit Valley College’s Marine
Technology Center, will be featured at a showcase event on Feb. 22, from 12 to 3 p.m.,
ahead of its scheduled departure from Anacortes on May 3.
SVC is a lead partner in the Around the Americas project, collaborating through its
Marine Maintenance Technology program. The program enrolls more than 50 students pursuing
associate degrees and certificates in marine maintenance technology, marine electrical
technician training, and marine mechanical technician training.
Expedition Overview
The 14-month voyage will be conducted by a five-person crew, including two undergraduate
marine science students, who will collect open-source scientific data for educators,
students, and researchers worldwide.
The route follows the 2009-10 S/V Ocean Watch expedition, allowing for comparative
data collection at more than 50 ports across 12 countries, including stops in the
Northwest Passage, U.S. East Coast, Puerto Rico, Brazil’s COP30, the Falkland Islands,
Cape Horn, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and the U.S. West Coast.
Research and Education Focus
The expedition will collaborate with scientific institutions to study key ocean health
issues:
Pole-to-Pole Kelp Study – In partnership with the University of Victoria, Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institution, and UCLA, researchers will assess bull kelp (Nereocystis
luetkeana) and giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) to examine their resilience and role
in carbon cycling.
Atmospheric and Seawater Properties – In collaboration with the University of Washington’s
Applied Physics Lab, research will focus on coastal ocean-atmosphere interactions
to enhance climate science understanding.
Whale Identification and Conservation – In partnership with BC Whales and the North
Coast Cetacean Society, the crew will conduct high-resolution photo identification
of fin, orca, and humpback whales to support conservation efforts.
Education and Community Engagement
Beyond research, the expedition emphasizes ocean education and community involvement.
Students from the Marine Technology Center contributed to the refit of S/V One Ocean,
gaining hands-on experience in marine maintenance and technology.
Additionally, two undergraduate marine science students will collect data and share
findings through social media, outreach programs, and port presentations.
Through a partnership with Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants, an online education
platform, students worldwide will have access to live interactive lessons, reaching
over one million learners. Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana will also provide
an ocean sustainability curriculum, emphasizing marine conservation.
The expedition will explore iconic marine ecosystems, including Cape Horn, the Galápagos
Islands, and the Arctic Circle.
Live-streamed research updates will provide real-time engagement with students and
global audiences, while onboard sustainability ambassadors will advocate for ocean
conservation.
The expedition encourages participation from schools, communities, and organizations
through virtual events, public outreach, and online resources to promote environmental
stewardship.
For more information about SVC’s Marine Maintenance Technology program, visit skagit.edu/marine-maintenance-technology.
To support the expedition, contact foundation@skagit.edu or call 360.416.3229. For inquiries about the Around the Americas project, email
atamericasjd@gmail.com, visit oneislandoneocean.com, or follow on Facebook (@oneislandoneocean), Instagram
(@oneisland.oneocean), and YouTube (@oneislandoneocean).
Media Contact Info
Sofia Poulton, Communications and Social Media Manager
360.416.7699