R/V Spirit of the Sound™

Revolutionary in design, this 64-foot all-aluminum catamaran was launched in 2015 as the first research vessel in North America with hybrid-electric propulsion. She runs virtually silently on electric power.

Public Cruises

We have cruises year round including Seal-Spotting & Birding, TGIF , Sunset, Marine Life Encounter, Norwalk Islands Cruises and More! Click here to view our public cruise schedule.

Private Charters 

Our state-of-the-art clean-energy, battery-powered vessel offers the perfect outdoor escape for family get-togethers, special occasions, business meetings and more! A range of food and beverage options are available. Plus, you can add an exciting program: Marine Life Study, Bird-Watching, Lighthouse and History tour, and more. Click here to learn more about renting our boat.

Cruises for Schools & Other Groups

School groups, Scouts, camps and other groups (10 or more people) can charter the R/V Spirit of the Sound for study cruise programs onto Long Island Sound.  Click here to learn more about our study cruises.

Who Built Her

Designed by Incat Crowther of Australia, Spirit of the Sound was built in Mamaroneck, New York, at the Robert E. Derecktor Inc. shipyard, with construction managed and integrated by Alternative Marine Technologies (Amtech). Her hybrid-electric propulsion system was made by BAE Systems Inc., Corvus Energy and Northern Lights Hybrid Marine.

Major contributors include: the Per and Astrid Heidenreich Family Foundation, George & Carol Bauer of Wilton, and The T.K Foundation.