The Tales of the Whales

The Odyssey, a 93-foot ketch owned by the Whale Conservation Institute (WCI), was constructed in 1976 by the WECO company in Whangarei, New Zealand. After years of building commercial ships and tug boats, it was one of the first pleasure crafts constructed by WECO. Through the generosity of a Chicago area philanthropist, Anthony Antoniou, the Odyssey was acquired by WCI in 1991.

WECO's philosophy of sturdy ocean-going construction is exemplified throughout this seaworthy craft. With fuel tanks holding over 3,200 gallons of fuel enabling it to travel six to seven thousand miles without refueling, the Odyssey has an unheard-of capacity to remain at sea, to say nothing of its ability to travel the world using its primary source of energy -- the wind!

The crew of the Odyssey, captained by Iain Kerr, is six in number and hail from countries all over the world, including Scotland, England, Canada and the United States. Each of them is highly experienced in transoceanic sailing. In addition to the crew, the Odyssey accommodates eight more passengers, often made up of film crews or scientists on research projects. High tech interfaces between data collection devices and elaborate computerization allow scientific expeditions to gather and analyze incredible volumes of information and within seconds transmit the results anywhere on earth through satellite communications!

With two zodiacs on board, an eager crew and any number of destinations in mind, the Odyssey is capable of visiting even the most remote locations, while working with little or no shore support for extended periods of time. This exciting ship has been the platform from which many of the exciting shots you will see in Whales have been photographed.

Hull Material:  Steel Full Keel
Rig:  Ketch Mast Height 88' + 8' Antenna
Length Overall:  93' 4"
Length on Deck:  80'
Engines:  Single, General Motors 6-71 N 218 total hp
Tankage:    Fuel-3200 US gallons: Water-1200 US gallons
Accommodation:   14 People (Maximum)