Derecktor Shipyards announced a new research vessel agreement with SoundWaters, a Stamford, Connecticut–based non-profit focused on environmental education and and Long Island Sound stewardship. Developed in partnership with Chartwell Marine, a leader in next-generation vessel design, the purpose-built research and education platform, RV Brewer, will enhance SoundWaters’ hands-on marine science programs, reaching thousands of students throughout the region.
Their agreement launches the design and construction of a 50′ × 23′ aluminum research catamaran named in honor of Jack Brewer, founder of Brewers Marinas. Designed with Chartwell Marine, the vessel blends proven performance with a flexible educational layout optimized for data collection, onboard learning, and passenger safety. Construction will take place at Derecktor’s New York yard, underscoring our commitment to innovative, American-built vessels that strengthen local marine science and education.
- Personnel: 2 Crew + 35 Passengers
- Propulsion: Volvo Penta D8-700 IPS with secondary and docking control stations
- Electrical: Alternators + Auxiliary Fisher Panda Generator, system designed with Canal Marine
- Mission Outfit:
- A-frame with level-wind Okeanus trawl winches
- Pullmaster winch for buoy and mooring deployment/retrieval
- Davit for Ponar grab sampling and CTD casts
- Wet/dry laboratory with education-focused layout
- Navigation & Electronics: Integrated Garmin package supplied by L&L Electronics and a lighting package from Imtra
- Heating & Cooling: High-efficiency heat pump system from Termodinamica
With R/V Brewer, SoundWaters will offer on-water programming to Long Island Sound schools from New Rochelle to New London and Port Washington to Greenport
“This project brings together craftsmanship, collaboration, and community,” said Erik Derecktor, New Construction, Derecktor Shipyards. “SoundWaters’ educational mission aligns perfectly with our own vision of building vessels that make an impact in the community. This platform will serve our employees’ families, our neighbors’ children, our industry’s future craftspeople and mariners.”
SoundWaters, founded in 1989, uses the waters of Long Island Sound as a living classroom to promote environmental literacy and conservation. By traveling up and down the Sound, the new vessel will enable the organization to reach 10,000 more students, conduct expanded scientific programming, and continue its mission to protect and preserve one of America’s most vital estuaries.
“R/V Brewer will use our waterways to bypass highway traffic, enabling our education team to reach 10,000 more students across the Long Island Sound region” said Leigh Shemitz, President of SoundWaters. “We are very excited; Derecktor’s reputation for quality, smart innovations, and close proximity made them the ideal partner to bring this next chapter of our mission to life.”
The project also signals Derecktor and Chartwell’s expanding role in semi-custom, purpose-built vessel production, offering adaptable platforms for research, training, and commercial missions.
“The Chartwell and Derecktor teams are continuing to adapt and improve each other’s workflows to deliver excellent vessels to market”, said Andy Page Managing Director, Chartwell Marine. “Common structural modules, optimized aluminum extrusions, reduced system complexity, and continuous improvement allow us to balance performance, value, and quality.”
