During a visit to Florida last year, I was interested to read in the local newspaper (Sun-Sentinel) a report on the arrival of the University of Miami's new $4.7 million marine research catamaran, the F.G.Walton Smith. This replaces the single-hulled R. V Calanus and is the only marine research catamaran in the United States.

UM's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science is justly proud of their new vessel which has been named after the Rosenstiel School's first Dean. The catamaran has a length of 96 ft; a breadth of 40 ft; draft of 5ft 6in; a gross tonnage greater than 100; it is propelled by twin Cummins QSK 19, 760 hp each; the propellers have servogear variable pitch; a speed of 12-14 knots, depending on load; electrics produced by twin 80 kw generators 208 V AC, 3 phase, 110 V AC, single phase in labs; fresh water 3,000 gallons, plus reverse osmosis water maker; fuel 10,000 gallons; there are berths for 4 crew and 16 scientists.

The Upper Deck has the bridge and captain's stateroom, cranes and winches, and space for small boats. The Main Deck houses galley, dining room, dry lab, crew's quarters, wet lab, moon pool (for drilling/coring operations) and an A-frame for raising and lowering equipment. The two lower decks each have an engine room, there is auxiliary mechanical space, galley storage and an electronics shop.

Catamarans are among the most stable vessels afloat and can travel in shallow water. Scientists will be able to conduct research despite rough seas and to work in areas they have never been able to reach before. The university hopes the sleek, custom-built catamaran will capture the imagination of prospective benefactors and encourage them to pay for a new building and fund endowments for research, operations and graduate education for the fisheries centre.

Alan Bebbington

Details at: http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/support/mardep/cat/