Atlantis (1931 to 1964)

Atlantis was the first Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution research vessel and the first ship built specifically for interdisciplinary research in marine biology, marine geology and physical oceanography. Columbus Iselin, her first master and a major influence in her design, felt that speed was not essential; steadiness, silence and cruising range were of primary importance. Atlantis was built in 1931 in Copenhagen, Denmark, and was designed by Owen and Minot specifically for WHOI. Once built WHOI searched for an appropriate name for the research vessel. A trustee of the Institution, Alexander Forbes, had recently bought a schooner named Atlantis from Iselin. Mr. Forbes rechristened his schooner so the new research vessel could be named Atlantis. The “A- boat” made 299 cruises and covered 700,000 miles, doing all types of ocean science. In 1966, Atlantis was sold to Argentina, refurbished, and renamed El Austral. It is used as a research vessel and is crewed by Argentine naval personnel. Other information: Rig: Marconi Ketch Sail Area: 7200 sq. ft. Main Mast Height: 144' from the water line Mizzen Mast Height: 100' from the water line