MANTA recently acquired a 62 foot Leopard sailing catamaran for use on all future marine science trips. She is currently berthed off the coast of St. Thomas. Named S/V DayDream, she is the culmination of a decade of hard work. We are working tirelessly to get her ready for this season. The purchase of this boat marks a big step in the future of MANTA, by giving us the ability to move our vessel around the world, making it possible to host students in other locations starting in 2025. Want a taste of the MANTA lifestyle without the classwork? S/V DayDream is available for private charter starting in March 2024! The proceeds from these charters go directly to supporting future education of students. Please visit https://daydreamsail.com/ for more information.
S/V DayDream is powered by two Yanmar diesel motors, for when the wind isn’t blowing. She is also equipped with daggerboards, which give both blue water performance and shallow water capabilities. With 4 guest cabins and 1 crew cabin, she will comfortably sleep guests and students alike. The more adventurous can even string a hammock up in the spacious cockpit or in the rigging. She has a large swim platform for dive prep, and forward wet storage lockers for dive gear. With a fully stocked galley, she is the perfect platform to sail into MANTA’s future.
MANTA owns an 80 foot Burger yacht that is berthed in Charleston, SC, aptly named the M/Y MANTA. Burger yachts are among the most highly regarded yacht in the world. This private yacht was donated to MANTA in 2018, and now serves as our Charleston base of operations, and a platform and presence for outreach and fund-raising to help fund the organization’s marine science activities. You can charter this beautiful classic yacht for a harbor cruise or your next special occasion in Charleston! All proceeds support MANTA. Please visit www.mantayacht.org for more information.
R/V MANTA is powered by two 720 hp Detroit Diesel Engines, and is equipped with two Northern Lights generators (32 kw and 55 kw) that provide more than ample electricity for all our needs. She sleeps 12 in very comfortable accommodations with 8 air-conditioning zones, 4 showers and 4 heads with vacuum flush toilets. The galley is fully equipped with household refrigerator/freezer, an upright chest freezer, drink cooler, ice maker, dishwasher, induction cooktop/oven, microwave, disposal, and all the comforts of home. We carry 2500 gallons of fuel and 1200 gallons of water, which can be replenished with a 500 gallon per day watermaker. A spacious foredeck, cockpit, and swim platform are ideal for outdoor fun. We also have two rigid hull inflatable tenders for shuttling passengers to and from shore. In addition to being a luxury yacht, we have microscopes and other education equipment on board for adults and kids to learn about marine critter during their cruise!