Coming in past the obsolete and almost-development-obscured Coney Island parachute jump, it’s a science ship.

R & R . . . that stands for “research and recreation.”  Ocean Researcher has worked in the area for over a year, but she’s still an unusual vessel for the sixth boro.  And the small craft below . . . that IS my dream boat, a Grover 26.  Believe it or not, a version of that crossed the Atlantic back in the 1980s, with crew and builder from Freeport NY.

Ocean Researcher has been mapping the sea bed over in the area where the Atlantic City wind farm will be planted.

The Grover towing a tender.  Last year around this time I was contemplating getting a Grover 26.  My reservation . .   you can’t have too many toys.

I’m not sure why OR gets escorted in each time, given that it likely has some fine maneuvering tools and skills.

Ah . . . the Grover, it calls to me.  Maybe I can lease one for a summer and make a long trip.  I’m baring my soul here.

Gardline operates this vessel.  I saw one person on deck;  I wonder how many work aboard.

sigh . . .

With all the exotic bathymetric vessels calling in the sixth boro, I wonder how long it’ll be before pre-assembled modules will begin appearing.

All photos . . . WVD, who invites you to e-join me on Tuesday, for a synchronous or asynchronous Erie Canal tour.