N S E W
Maritime Scientific Logistics

Science
under sail.

A dedicated nautical platform for oceanographic research teams. We handle everything between the airport and the open sea — so your scientists can focus entirely on their work.

Plan a Campaign Learn more
Mare Research Charter · Cannes, Côte d'Azur
What we do

Pure logistics.
Zero compromise.

Research vessels are expensive, bureaucratic, and often unavailable when your grant window opens. Mare Research Charter exists to fill that gap — a private scientific logistics company operating a classic sailing vessel in the Mediterranean, exclusively for research institutions.

We provide everything between the airport and the open sea: captain, crew, berths, meals, and a van that collects your team and equipment the moment they land. We do not provide scientific equipment, protocols, or expertise. Your data is entirely yours.

Based in Cannes, 30 minutes from LOV Villefranche, with full Mediterranean coverage year-round.

24m
Classic sailing ketch · Cannes home port
6
Researcher berths · Full board included
∞
Offshore captain certification · No distance limit
Services

Four service formulas

All-inclusive daily packages. No hidden costs. One invoice, one contact.
Rates on request — contact us with your dates and campaign profile.

01
Navigation Charter
Vessel + captain + crew + navigation. Your team organises embarkation independently. Ideal for institutions with their own shore logistics.
02
Full Logistics
Navigation + airport transfer + equipment transport to deck + full board. The complete package — from arrival to open sea, fully managed.
03
Premium Campaign
Full logistics + dedicated campaign coordination, port liaison, flexible re-routing. For multi-leg expeditions requiring continuous logistical support.
04
Annual Framework
Reserved seasonal capacity with priority scheduling. Designed for institutions with recurring field programmes in the Mediterranean.
Our scope

What we provide — and what we don't

MRC provides
  • Certified sailing vessel, 24m, Mediterranean-ready
  • Unlimited offshore captain + professional crew
  • 6 researcher berths + full board
  • Airport pick-up + equipment transport to deck
  • Port logistics, fuel, mooring
  • Emergency re-routing and weather contingency
  • Single invoice for all logistics
MRC does not provide
  • Scientific equipment or instruments
  • Research protocols or expertise
  • Data collection or analysis
  • Customs clearance for research samples
  • Diving or underwater equipment
  • Scientific staff or technicians
The vessel

MILENA

Fred Shepherd Bermudan Ketch · 1928 · Southampton
Built at White Brothers shipyard in Southampton in 1928 to Fred Shepherd's design, MILENA is one of the Mediterranean's most elegant classic sailing ketches. Her lines are unmistakably of another era — which makes her a uniquely credible platform for institutions where the image of science at sea matters as much as the science itself.
Length overall
24 metres (79 ft)
Type
Bermudan Ketch
Researcher berths
6 cabins
Construction
Classic timber
Home port
Cannes, France
Range
Full Mediterranean
Engine
185 HP GM Diesel
Season
Year-round
Get in touch

Plan your
Mediterranean campaign.

Tell us your dates, your team size, your departure port, and your region of interest. We will confirm availability and provide a detailed logistics proposal within 48 hours.

Your message will be automatically translated into French for our team.
Cannes, Côte d'Azur, France 43°33′N · 7°01′E Year-round availability