BY JENNIFER HERRING
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk loves being one of the top attractions in Connecticut. But that role means that we do more than educate our guests about the fascinating animals and important ecosystem of the Long Island Sound. Any facility that brings in nearly 500,000 guests each year also has a dollar effect on the region. The aquarium has an annual economic impact of more than $25 million on the city of Norwalk and $42 million on the state of Connecticut through visitor spending and the execution of our $11.5 million budget.
Just the current process that soon will lead to The Maritime Aquarium launching a bigger “greener” new research vessel has sent a positive rippling splash through the local economy … and beyond. The new boat ”” named R/V Spirit of the Sound ”” was designed by Incat Crowther of Australia and is being built at the Robert E. Derecktor Inc. shipyard in Mamaroneck, N.Y. Fundraising for the $2.7 million boat was largely accomplished by local businesspersons in the marine trades industry (a worldwide hub of which is in Greenwich/Stamford).
Our new floating classroom fits perfectly with the state”™s tourism catch phrase, “Still Revolutionary,” because of its revolutionary hybrid propulsion system. Spirit of the Sound will be the only research vessel in the country running on hybrid-electric propulsion. She will run virtually silently during the “study cruises” we offer to school groups on field trips and to the public. With more room inside and out compared to our current research vessel, the 65-foot catamaran will double our capacity for getting visitors out on the water ”” up to 60 participants at a time.
We”™re planning a launch ceremony Sept. 26, with Bank of America as the official launch sponsor. The boat will be available for corporate, private and group charters.
Marine Life Study Cruises for school students and the public will begin on the new boat in early October. R/V Spirit of the Sound then will become part of The Maritime Aquarium”™s dual role as a regional resource for environmental education and an important player in the local and state economy.
Jennifer Herring is president of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, a member of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.
