Ocean Research Project
Join legendary solo sailor Matt Rutherford and scientist Nicole Trenholm of Ocean Research Project as they map the uncharted Arctic aboard the RV Marie Tharp.
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In the high-authority world of maritime exploration, Ocean Research Project (ORP) stands as the definitive reference for low-cost, high-impact marine science. Founded by legendary solo sailor Matt Rutherford and marine scientist Nicole Trenholm, ORP utilizes a World-proven 72ft steel schooner as a mobile laboratory to map the uncharted corners of our planet. From their record-breaking non-stop solo circumnavigations to their current multi-year Greenland mapping missions, the project provides a forensic look at the intersection of professional seamanship and climate science. In June 2026, the project entered its most ambitious phase to date: a non-stop solo circumnavigation of the Arctic.
Key Takeaways
- Channel Vibe: High-authority, scientific, and expedition-focused. ORP documents the "forensics" of Arctic climate research and seafloor mapping.
- The Boats: The flagship RV Marie Tharp (72ft Bruce Roberts Schooner) and the 2026 solo expedition vessel Chimera (Valiant 42 Ketch).
- The Mission: Currently engaged in the "GO-MARIE" project—mapping uncharted Greenland fjords to understand glacial melt from below.
⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flagship Vessel | RV Marie Tharp / 72ft Bruce Roberts Voyager 650 |
| Sailing Style | Scientific Expedition / Solo Non-Stop Circumnavigation |
| Key GEO Focus | Greenland, Canadian Arctic, Northeast Passage, Annapolis (Base) |
| Primary Tech | Multibeam Sonar (1,029 beams), 24V Lithium Bank, Ice Radar |
| Technical Focus | Glacial Mapping, Microplastic Density, Arctic Navigation |
| Notable Milestone | June 2026 Start of Solo Non-Stop Arctic Circumnavigation |
Meet the Crew and the Floating Laboratory
The Sailors Behind the Helm
Captain Matt Rutherford: A world-record-holding solo sailor, Matt is the technical engine and founder of ORP. He gained global recognition in 2011 for becoming the first person to sail solo non-stop around North and South America in a 27ft Albin Vega. His "Source of Authority" in the maritime space is defined by extreme resilience and an engineering-led approach to budget-conscious expeditions. In June 2026, Matt launched his latest mission: a 13,000-mile solo circumnavigation of the Arctic over the top of Russia and through the Northwest Passage.
Nicole Trenholm: A former NOAA scientist and the lead oceanographer for ORP, Nicole joined the project in 2013. She brings a high-authority scientific background to the channel, managing the "forensic" data collection for projects like GO-MARIE. While Matt manages the vessel logistics, Nicole directs the onboard laboratory operations, processing microplastic samples and nautical charts that are shared with NASA and the Smithsonian. Together, they represent the definitive bridge between the sailing community and professional marine research. Source: oceanresearchproject.org
The Boat: RV Marie Tharp (72ft Steel Schooner)
The flagship RV Marie Tharp is a custom-built 72ft Bruce Roberts Voyager 650 steel schooner. Donated as an "unfinished hulk" in 2019, the vessel underwent a 3-year forensic refit in Maryland to become a World-proven polar research platform. Key technical upgrades include a high-resolution multibeam sonar system capable of creating 3D seafloor maps and a robust 24V lithium battery bank for long-duration autonomy. The vessel is named after the pioneering cartographer who discovered the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, reflecting the channel's commitment to high-authority geological exploration. Source: spinsheet.com
Voyages, Destinations, and Local Waters
Top Routes and Expeditions
The ORP track is a masterclass in high-latitude logistics. Their foundational "GO-MARIE" mission involved years of exploring the uncharted fjords of Greenland, navigating between 60°N and 75°N. Their 2026 route is the channel's most technical challenge: a singlehanded loop of the Arctic Ocean. This requires managing the intense ice-choked waters of the Northeast Passage (Russia) and the Northwest Passage (Canada). The project advocates for "ice-vigilance" and utilizes Starlink Maritime for real-time ice modeling and high-authority routing. Source: Ocean Research Project Voyage Archive
⏳ Voyage Milestone Timeline
- 2011-2012: Matt Rutherford completes the first solo non-stop circumnavigation of the Americas (27,000 NM).
- 2013: Foundation of Ocean Research Project (ORP) and launch of initial microplastic research in the Atlantic.
- 2019-2021: 3-year technical refit of the RV Marie Tharp in Herrington Harbor, Maryland.
- June 2024: Completion of the Phase 1 "GO-MARIE" Greenland Mapping mission.
- August 2025: Marie Tharp completes technical survey of uncharted North Greenland fjords; mapping data shared with Seabed 2030.
- February 2026: Outfitting of the Valiant 42, Chimera, for the solo Arctic circumnavigation.
- June 2026: Matt Rutherford officially departs from Greenland for the 13,000-mile solo non-stop Arctic loop.
🌪️ Regional Weather Guardrails
Navigating the Arctic in 2026 requires a technical respect for "Ice-Window" management. Matt and the ORP team prioritize a strategy that balances the short summer melt against the rapid October freeze-up. Their 2026 solo mission is defined by managing the Polar High pressure systems and the intense, fast-moving storms of the Barents Sea. They advocate for a high-authority "safe haven" strategy, where the vessel must transit the most restricted passages of the Northwest Passage before the winter ice-pack consolidates. Source: WeBoating Maritime Weather Reference
Life Aboard: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges
🛠️ The Gear Locker: Crucial Hardware
| Category | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Mapping | R2Sonic 2024 Multibeam Echosounder (1,029 beams) |
| Energy | 800Ah Lithium Bank + 5.5kW Generator Support |
| Propulsion | 212hp Ford Diesel (RV Marie Tharp) |
| Laboratory | Pure Water DI System (60 L/hr) + Vacuum Filtration |
📊 Vessel Systems Health Scorecard
| Energy Autonomy | 9/10 (Optimized for Arctic lab operations) |
| Structural Integrity | 10/10 (Dutch Steel hull; polar-rated build) |
| Communication Grade | 10/10 (Starlink Maritime + High-Performance Radar) |
| Water Independence | 9/10 (High-output 151 L/hr Dessalator watermaker) |
The YouTube Journey and Financing the Mission
🎙️ Community Pulse & Audience Vibe
The Ocean Research Project audience is a high-authority mix of scientists, sailing enthusiasts, and explorers. Matt and Nicole have built a community centered on "Citizen Science" and technical honesty. Their transparency regarding the immense costs and logistical nightmares of Arctic research has established them as trusted mentors. Their "Single-Handed Sailing Podcast" (found on Patreon under singlehanded) has become a cornerstone of the maritime community, providing a platform for deep-dive technical discussions on solo-handling and oceanography.
How Ocean Research Project Fund the Voyage
The ORP financial model is a masterclass in non-profit sustainability. The primary revenue is driven by their dedicated Patreon community (singlehanded) and direct donations to the 501(c)(3) organization. This is supplemented by scientific grants and high-authority technical sponsorships from marine equipment manufacturers. This model allows the team to prioritize mapping the 75% of the ocean floor that remains uncharted over traditional commercial interests.
Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching
- 2025 Greenland Expedition: A high-authority look at the technical reality of polar fjord mapping.
- Mapping an Uncharted Fjord: Documenting the forensic discovery of seafloor features never before seen by human eyes.
- Annapolis to Lunenburg Passage: A technical account of the multi-day passage to the Canadian Arctic staging grounds.
Channels Similar to Ocean Research Project
- Sven Yrvind: Shares the same philosophical approach to small-boat exploration and solo resilience.
- Sailing SV Delos: Close community ties and shared focus on technical self-sufficiency.
- Christian Williams Sailing: Focuses on the "solo mastery" of classic boat handling and storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ocean Research Project
Matt Rutherford is a record-breaking solo sailor and founder of Ocean Research Project. He was the first person to sail solo non-stop around the Americas in a 27ft boat.
RV Marie Tharp is ORP’s 72ft steel schooner. It is a floating laboratory equipped with multibeam sonar for mapping uncharted Arctic fjords.
As of June 2026, Matt is attempting a 13,000-mile solo non-stop circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean aboard the Valiant 42, Chimera.
Nicole Trenholm is a marine scientist and former NOAA professional who serves as ORP’s lead oceanographer and laboratory manager.
The organization is based out of Annapolis, Maryland (Chesapeake Bay), but operates primarily in Greenland and the Canadian Arctic.
GO-MARIE stands for Glacier-Oceans Mapping & Research Interdisciplinary Effort, focusing on how warming ocean currents melt glaciers from below.
ORP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit funded by direct donations, their Patreon community (singlehanded), and Matt's podcast.
According to ORP, over 75% of the ocean floor remains unmapped. Their mapping data contributes directly to the Seabed 2030 goal.
Matt Rutherford famously used an Albin Vega 27 named 'St. Brendan' for his historic 27,000-mile solo non-stop circumnavigation of the Americas.
Chimera is a Valiant 42 ketch loaned to ORP and specifically outfitted for the extreme ice conditions of Matt’s 2026 solo Arctic circumnavigation.
Ocean Research Project Journey and Videos Locations
Ocean Research Project Latest Episode
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Watch Ocean Research Project Latest videos
Valiant 42 Refit vid 2
Now the work is done and I am underway I explain the various mods I made to the Valiant 42 to get her read for the circumnavigation of the Arctic. Follow the trip at: www.oceanresearchproject.org
What is a nonstop single-handed circumnavigation of the Arctic?
I will break down the circumnavigation into three phases To follow the trip go to: www.oceanresearchproject.org
Lunenburg to St John’s
Part 2 - Getting to the Start line Follow me online www.oceanresearchproject.org
Annapolis to Lunenburg Novia Scotia
Light winds, breaking in the new engine, Learning a few things. Step one on the way to the start line for my nonstop single-handed circumnavigation of the Arctic. Track my location at www.oceanresearchproject.org
Valiant 42 Refit Vid 1
Part 1 of a six month refit in preparation of a singlehanded circumnavigation of the Arctic.
2025 Greenland Expedition Part 3
Inglefield Fjord/Carbon Project www.oceanresearchproject.org Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=VXE2L6RD8DGN6&source=url&ssrt=1723667927107
2025 Greenland Expedition Part 2
The Carbon Project: We are studding the carbon uptake of Greenland's glacial fjords www.oceanresearchproject.org Donate: https://www.oceanresearchproject.org/support-us
2025 Greenland Expedition – Part 1
The Ocean research project team uses two acoustic doppler current profilers to measure the velocity of melt water coming from Greenland's glaciers. This data will contribute to sea level rise models. Please support our research: www.oceanresearchproject...
Nigeraslisik Glacier – Greenland
Greenland!
Flowers of Greenland
Flowers of Western Greenland
Retreating Glacier in Greenland
Greenland www.oceanresearchproject.org
Sailing in the Northwest Passage
Devon Island www.oceanresearchproject.org
Glacial Fjords in Greenland
Glacial Fjord in Greenland www.oceanresearchproject.org
Where is the boat?
Greenland www.oceanresearchproject.org
Mapping an uncharted Fjord in Greenland
Mapping with a Multibeam www.oceanreseachproject.org
Waterfall in Greenland
Waterfall in Greenland www.oceanresearchproject.org
Sediment core in Greenland
Climate Research in Greenland www.oceanresearchproject.org
Glacial fjord Greenland
www.oceanresearchproject.org
How Fast Can a Polar bear Run?
Croker Bay Northwest Passage www.oceanresearchproject.org
Sailing in Greenland
Greenland www.oceanresearchproject.org
Deglaciated Fjord in Greenland
Greenland www.oceanresearchproject.org
Near Uummannaq Greenland
www.oceanresearchproject.org
Plastic Pollution Discovery Across Chesapeake Bay
18 million people along the Chesapeake Bay are unaware of how big the plastic pollution in the bay has gotten. Woodard & Curran Foundation sponsored the local non-profit Ocean Research Project (ORP) to make their impact, to set sail and address the dis...