Thursday, December 09, 2004

MEMORANDUM

TO: Area Media

FROM: Mimi Cunningham

DATE: Dec. 9, 2004

RE: Christening of UNCW’s Newest Research Vessel, 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, Center for Marine Science

Many of you were present when the new research vessel arrived at the State Ports and was off-loaded from the truck which brought her from Port Angeles, Washington. Now we cordially invite you to attend the formal christening of this newest Research Vessel Seahawk at 1:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10, at the UNCW Center for Marine Science off Masonboro Loop Road. We will gather in the auditorium of the center for brief remarks, then depending on the weather, go to the pier for the actual christening by Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo. The new vessel and the Research Vessel Cape Fear will be open for tours immediately following the ceremony.

We hope you can join us. Below is some information about the vessel, the newest addition to UNCW’s 20-vessel fleet:

The $225,000, 33-foot long, 13-foot wide catamaran will accommodate 10 people. Equipped with two 225 HP, four stroke Mercury outboards, she will run 33 knots and cruise at 24 knots.

This new vessel gives UNCW the capability of working offshore Onslow Bay waters some 20 miles and gives scientists a more economic platform to do better and more science. Drawing only 36 inches of water with both engines down, the vessel will be suited for day trip missions in rivers and estuaries as well as the ocean.

UNCW was the beneficiary of a bargain sale of a Tiara yacht from Bill Warwick. After the university used the boat for two years, it was sold and the proceeds paid the total cost of the new $225,000 research vessel. Jerry Compeau will captain the RV Seahawk whose first mission will be Dec. 14 going to 23 Mile Rock.

Directions to UNCW-Center for Marine Science

Travel 132 South (College Road) to the traffic light at Mohican Trail.

Make LEFT onto Mohican, continuing straight until it ends at

Masonboro Loop Road. Turn RIGHT onto Masonboro Loop Road.

Marvin K. Moss Lane is about ½ mile on the LEFT. Our facility is at

the end by the Intracoastal Waterway