Dave And Bonnie Mastolier On The Qualifier 105 – Photo Courtesy of the HOMER TRIBUNE/Naomi Klouda

“A new research vessel home-ported in Homer adds to a specialized fleet increasingly in demand as melting Arctic ice opens new possibilities for research along Alaska’s coast.

David Mastolier, co-owner of the M/V Qualifier 105, recently brought his vessel north after purchasing it in California. It’s a 105-foot vessel made for heavy sea conditions and rugged contract work for everything from supporting under-sea gold mining prospects to scientific work.

“It took two weeks to make the trip. We saw how she operated in rough seas – and she did great even when we encountered 25-foot seas,” Mastolier said. The wide 30-foot beam makes for steady going. Another feature that will make…” ~ Homer Tribune

Read More At: http://homertribune.com/2013/05/mv-qualifier-gears-up-for-research-projects-in-a-warming-arctic/