The Mir – Our vehicle for engaging with island people & caring for our oceans
Biosphere Foundation is unique in having a sailing ship to voyage the seas and work off remote islands in Asia.The vessel, named Mir, is a 1910 classic 113’ sailing ship. Mir’s homeport is located in NW Bali and at Raffles Marina, Singapore. She sails between our conservation projects in the Coral Triangle.
Biosphere Foundation is “called to action” by island people who live by and with the sea to help solve environmental challenges. We believe that hands-on involvement is key to stewarding the biosphere. It is wondrous to realize that no action is “insignificant” and everyone can make a difference and be part of the solution. In the next 5 years (2021-2025), Mir will sail Southeast Asia stopping at islands that need help with marine conservation and educational awareness about biosphere stewardship.
For more information about Mir and her upcoming Coral Triangle Voyages, please contact Captain Christopher Dolphin.
Watch a film about Mir (6 min)
Mir was rebuilt between the years of Malta (2009-2010), Singapore (2012) and Bali (2014).
ABOUT MIR
She was built in Holland in 1910 and was primarily used during her lifetime as a sea-training ship for women. To view an article about her earlier life, click here.
She was purchased in Malta on June 1, 2009, where we rebuilt her to sail from the Mediterranean to Bali in 2010 (via the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, Singapore and the Java Sea). [During the voyage, the crew collaborated with the Blue Marble Initiative to log the journey in celebration of our beautiful blue planet. Click here to know more about the Blue Marbles project.]
In 2011-2012, Mir’s old deck was completely removed and reconstructed at ASL Shipyard in Singapore, then laid with the restored teak in Bali.
In 2014, Mir’s interior was rebuilt with Makassar Buggis sea people.
In 2016, Mir’s 2 old wooden masts were replaced along with all the rigging and sails.
Formerly named English Rose, the vessel was a training ship for your women sailors.
View Mir’s Interior before and after the repair
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To see more pictures of Mir’s interior, click here.
View Mir’s Hull before and after the repair
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View Mir’s Deck before and after the repair
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Mir’s 2010 Maiden Voyage Crew
Malta to Sri Lanka
The crew of Mir’s maiden voyage from Malta to Singapore. [Not pictured are John ‘Woody’ Heffern, Joe & Betty Mallia, and Carol Milner.]