New SoundWaters Research Vessel
Explore Long Island Sound with your Students
Your students can work like real scientists on an actual research vessel. On SoundWaters new research vessel, the R/V Brewer, Long Island Sound will be their million-acre classroom, where they can test the waters of Long Island Sound, haul in a trawl net full of different animals and begin to make their own observations and conclusions about the health of our greatest natural resource.
What does it feel like to work like a scientist on a real research vessel? outdoors, in a million-acre classroom? SoundWaters creates access to Long Island Sound for 30,000 students every year, but thousands more deserve that same opportunity. The barrier to reaching more students is persistent traffic on I-95 – teachers and students cannot get to SoundWaters facilities. We are building a new teaching and research vessel, the R/V Brewer, to bypass that traffic and enable us to 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. Students learning on Long Island Sound today will become the stewards of tomorrow.
Want to learn more? Have questions? Check out the FAQs or complete the form below and we’ll start a conversation.
Teaching students up and down Long Island Sound
What is the impact of learning on Long Island Sound?
“Thousands of students experience SoundWaters every year, and while not every SoundWaters student will go on to enter the environmental field, every student will walk away with an unparalleled appreciation for the natural world.
That alone will be a catalyst for change from generation to generation. That is how we will change the world.”
“SoundWaters was my first serious exposure to the environment and Long Island Sound.
When I look back and wonder why I care about the environment, it’s because of SoundWaters.
That experience planted a seed of environmental stewardship.”
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 to teach upper level science, primarily to middle and high school students and college students. The vessel’s deck layout is not ideally suited for for elementary students.
Who is Jack Brewer?
Jack Brewer was 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 where his name was so prominent for decades, this time serving a mission of access and education.
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 $6 million. We have launched the No Boundaries Campaign to raise $14 million to build the vessel and provide financial aid to schools 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. This campaign will help us change education on Long Island Sound for 50 years.
How do I get my students onboard?
If you are a teacher and want your students to learn on Long Island Sound on the R/V Brewer, we want to talk with you. Complete the form below and we will can 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 that will impact their futures. 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 characteristics 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 is the capacity of the R/V Brewer?
R/V Brewer can accommodate 33 total passengers, which includes students, teachers, and chaperones.
What happens in the event of poor weather or rough seas?
All programs are rain or shine, unless severe weather conditions are expected. R/V Brewer hosts heated and air-conditioned indoor lab space, and partial cover on the aft deck for wet conditions.
How far in advance should I book a trip for my class on the R/V Brewer?
Trips are scheduled on a first-come-first-serve basis. School trips will begin September 2027, and booking is now live.
Do students need prior boating experience to participate?
No prior experience is required! Vessel crew and educators provide a comprehensive safety briefing before leaving the dock, and life jackets will be worn on board.
Are there restrooms and shelter on board?
R/V Brewer is equipped with an enclosed, climate-controlled lab space and bathroom.
What should students wear/bring on board?
Layered clothing (it is often significantly cooler and windier on the water than on shore), a windproof or rainproof outer shell, closed-toe non-slip shoes, sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat), and a reusable water bottle.
RV Brewer Trip Inquiry
What They’re Saying
“SoundWaters was my first serious exposure to the environment and Long Island Sound. When I look back and wonder why I care about the environment, it’s because of SoundWaters.That experience planted a seed of environmental stewardship.”
– Aaron Hilliard,
SoundWaters Alumnus,
Firefighter, Hackensack, NJ
