Changing Education on Long Island Sound for the Next 50 Years.
SoundWaters already creates access to Long Island Sound for 30,000 students every year, but thousands more deserve the same opportunity. We are building a new teaching and research vessel, the R/V Brewer, to help us teach the science of the Sound to 10,000 more students every year up and down the Sound.
Purpose-designed for teaching on Long Island Sound, the R/V Brewer will be equipped with an on-board lab and the ability to deploy sophisticated equipment for teaching and research. The catamaran design will allow the vessel to move quickly up and down the Sound and access most coastal communities, bringing the opportunity and excitement of learning on the water to students throughout Connecticut and New York. Beginning in 2027, teachers and students will need only to get to the nearest coastal community.
Want to learn more? Check out the FAQ.
R/V Brewer Specs
THE VESSEL:
Length: 50’
Beam (width): 23’
Draft: 4’
Power: Inboard diesel
Capacity: 33 passengers
Builder: Derecktor Shipyard, Mamaroneck, NY
Launching: Spring 2027
What is the status of the Schooner
The Schooner SoundWaters, the original floating classroom of Long Island Sound, will continue teaching the science of Long Island Sound to 7,000 students every year.
Why 33 Passengers?
Our education team has decades of experience working with teachers and schools to host students learning the science of Long Island Sound on the Schooner SoundWaters. The R/V Brewer’s capacity of 33 passengers will allow us to host a full classroom of students, plus their teachers.
Will the R/V Brewer be for all ages?
The R/V Brewer is designed and outfit for teaching upper level science, primarily to high school and college students. We may also host middle school students. The vessel’s deck layout is not well suited for for elementary students.
Who is Jack Brewer?
Jack Brewer is the founder and President of Brewer Yacht Yards, a collection of 25 marinas across Long Island Sound, southern New England and the mid-Atlantic states. He sold his marinas to Safe Harbor in 2017. The R/V Brewer will bring the Brewer name back into the same Long Island Sound harbors.
Why diesel-powered?
While electric power would be ideal, given how the R/V Brewer will be used – moving quickly between ports on Long Island Sound – diesel power made the most sense. Suitable electric power is not yet readily available in most marinas the vessel will visit. Hybrid diesel-electric power is an option, but would not allow us access to the power of a full diesel engine.
How much does the boat cost?
The cost to design, build and outfit the R/V Brewer will be $5.85 million. We have launched the No Boundaries Campaign to raise $14 million to build the vessel and provide additional financial aid so that we can offer access to learning on Long Island Sound to schools and students from all communities, regardless of their ability to pay.
Are you raising money to fund the new vessel?
Yes. We have launched the No Boundaries Campaign to appeal to the community for financial support to fund the construction of the vessel and financial aid to ensure that we can host any school who wants to learn on Long Island Sound regardless of their ability to pay.
How do I get my students onboard?
If you are a teacher and recognize the unique opportunity for your students presented by the R/V Brewer, we want to talk with you. We encourage you to complete the form on this page and we will start a conversation. The new vessel will be on the water mid-2027 and we expect available dates to fill quickly so the sooner you contact us, the better the chances you and your students will be aboard.
What will you teach on the new vessel?
In an era of a changing climate and the growing problem of microplastics, we have the ideal classroom in Long Island Sound to help students understand the science behind these very big subjects. Students will use sophisticated equipment to collect and test water quality and compare it to historical data to see the changes over time. They will conduct trawls to bring up animals from the depths to learn their anatomy and the characeristics that make them uniquely adaptable or threatened by changing conditions. The on-board curriculum will align with State science standards to amplify classroom learning and create a rich and memorable educational environment.
What They’re Saying
“The experience offered aboard the SoundWaters Schooner is like no other! It is our favorite field trip of the year! The expertise of the captain and crew is exemplary and our students come away having learned so much about Long Island Sound. The experience enriches our student’s lives and inspires them to be more active participants in taking care of their seashore community. This hands-on learning adventure is exceptional and we look forward to bringing future students for many years to come.”
– 6th grade teacher, Beardsley School,
Bridgeport Public Schools
