Scientific Instruments for Onboard Environmental Data Collection

At Xploration, we organize expeditions to remote locations aboard our steel schooner, Perola do Mar, which is equipped for autonomous voyages lasting over a month and can accommodate up to 10 crew members. We are deeply committed to citizen science and seek to partner with research institutions to collect valuable data, free of charge and on a non-profit basis, to contribute to scientific research. This overview presents the tools we can install, prepare, and use to collect oceanographic and atmospheric data during our sailing expeditions, along with notes on their functions and practical installation aboard a yacht.

PTH Probe (Pressure–Temperature–Humidity)
Function: Measures key meteorological variables: air temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity. Supports weather documentation and contextual data for biological or physical ocean studies.
Placement: Mounted on deck in a shaded, well-ventilated location. Ideally positioned away from direct spray and exhaust. Can be connected wirelessly to the data logger.


CO₂ Sensor
Function: Records atmospheric CO₂ levels, useful in studying air-sea gas exchange and contributing to climate-related observations.
Placement: Installed in a dry, shaded area above deck or inside the cabin. Connected to the data logger or stand-alone display with continuous power.
All-in-One Marine Weather Station

Function: Combines multiple meteorological sensors into a single, compact unit to measure key atmospheric parameters such as air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, and solar radiation. This integration facilitates comprehensive weather monitoring and data collection.
Placement: Typically mounted on a mast or elevated structure to ensure unobstructed exposure to environmental elements. The unit should be positioned away from heat sources and exhaust vents to avoid data distortion.

Specifics:

• Passages of 30–70 nautical miles per day
• Influence of tides and coastal currents
• Variety of ports and anchorages

Difficulty: 🌊🌊–🌊🌊🌊
Can increase with strong tides or heavy maritime traffic.
A Day on Board:
Coastal voyages often require an early start — either to complete the passage before the wind strengthens or to catch favorable currents. After lifting anchor or leaving the marina, we head into coastal waters, where waves are more noticeable and winds tend to be steadier.
Navigation is key — requiring close attention to shoals, buoys, and nearby vessels. Often, we tack against the wind or adjust our course depending on the currents. The day may end in a harbor rich with history or a quiet bay where only the gentle lapping of waves breaks the silence. We can also include 1–2 overnight passages per route.
Example Route: Trondheim – Trondheim –Bodø (Season 8, Stage 8.4)
This stage follows the Norwegian coast and crosses the Arctic Circle. The route combines sheltered waters between islands with more exposed passages that can bring ocean swells. Along the way, we visit the Halten archipelago, home to historic lighthouses, and sail through Saltstraumen—one of the world’s strongest tidal currents.

Specifics:

• Varying passage lengths between islands
• Frequent changes of anchorage
• Conditions ranging from sheltered channels to open crossings
• Unique island cultures and natural beauty

Difficulty: 🌊🌊–🌊🌊🌊
Depends on distances between islands and how protected they are
A Day on Board:
Mornings often begin with a walk on the island where we spent the night. After breakfast and a bit of exploring, we set off toward the next destination. The passage can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on distance and weather conditions.
Between islands, winds are typically stronger and waves more noticeable, but we often return to calmer waters soon after. Each island has its own character—from uninhabited rocky outcrops with seabird colonies to lively harbors steeped in history. Evenings are spent at anchor in secluded bays or docked in marinas.
Example Route: Lofoten Islands (Season 9, Stage 9.1)
The Lofoten archipelago is a dramatic mix of steep mountains, fjords, and fishing villages. We sail between islands, exploring narrow straits and hidden coves, hiking to scenic viewpoints, and observing local wildlife like seabirds and even sea eagles. The region’s coastal villages are known for their traditional wooden fish-drying racks.

Specifics:

• Long stretches away from shore (1–10+ days)
• 24/7 watch rotations
• Complete self-sufficiency
• Extended exposure to the open sea

Difficulty: 🌊🌊🌊🌊–🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Varies with passage length, season, and prevailing winds.
A Day on Board:
Time at sea flows differently. Life on board is organized around watch rotations — typically 3 hours on, 9 hours off. During watch, we keep an eye on the sails, maintain course, monitor nearby vessels, and log each shift and each significant occasion.
The first few days are spent adjusting to the motion and new routine. Gradually, the rhythm of the sea takes over—waves stretching to the horizon, endless skies, and star-filled nights. Free time is spent reading, cooking, playing games, or simply watching the water. In some areas, marine mammals or seabirds may appear alongside the boat.
Example Route: Svalbard – Iceland via Jan Mayen (Season 9, Stage 9.6)
This 17-day stage crosses the northern Atlantic, stopping at Jan Mayen Island and continuing along Greenland’s east coast. The route passes near the sea ice zone, where we carefully navigate around icebergs and shifting ice conditions. Long ocean stretches call for thorough preparation and full self-sufficiency.

Specifics:

• Cold temperatures
• Navigation based on ice conditions
• Extended daylight in summer
• Remoteness from infrastructure

Difficulty: 🌊🌊🌊–🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Increases with proximity to sea ice and icebergs.
A Day on Board:
Each day begins with an assessment of ice conditions. In summer, the long daylight hours allow for flexible sailing schedules, but maintaining a sleep routine is essential. Warm clothing is necessary even in summer, and hot drinks become a daily ritual.
During watch duty, we carefully monitor the surroundings for ice and sudden weather changes. Plans often need to be adjusted based on conditions. The landscapes are breathtaking—glaciers reaching the sea and encounters with Arctic wildlife.
Example Route: Svalbard (Season 9, Stage 9.5)
This 10-day expedition explores the Svalbard archipelago, reaching 80°N latitude. We sail past tidewater glaciers and encounter Arctic wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and possibly walruses. Safety is a top priority, requiring constant vigilance for changing weather and ice conditions.

Each type of sailing routes brings a different experience and requires its own set of skills—both for navigation and life on board. Our scale (1 to 5 🌊) help match routes with your level of experience and expectations.
It’s important to keep in mind that the sea is unpredictable. A route that seems easy one day might turn into a serious challenge the next, depending on weather and other conditions. Regardless of the difficulty, a sea journey lets you see the world from a new perspective. Our aim is to help you find a route that fits.