R/V CORMORANT (1)
In December of 1979, the Tatman Foundation purchased a 60% interest of $51,000 in the vessel "Cormorant" and David Chomeau purchased a 40% interest of $25,000. Mr. Chomeau then gave the Foundation 75% of his share and Miss Tatman donated 65% of her share, resulting in the Foundation having an interest of $58,650 in the vessel. In 1980 both gave their remaining interests in the "Cormorant" to the Foundation, allowing the Channel Islands Research Program and Dr. Jack Engle to use the vessel for important marine research cruises.
In 2008 the Cormorant was purchased by an experienced yachtsman and his wife to refurbish and make their home.
R/V Cormorant (2)
In xxx of 19xx, Jerry and Henri Chomeau began looking for a replacement vessel for the program. They scoured the Pacific Northwest and found a fishing boat in Westport, Washington that looked promising.
The board agreed to purchase the vessel, although it would require much modification to become a live-aboard, research and diving vessel for the Channel Islands Research Program. It was necessary to add a full galley, a swim ladder with a door through the transom and many other upgrades.
There were plusses and minuses to the new, versus the old Cormorants. The old Cormorant was quite a bit bigger and sturdier. It had one very large diesel engine and could plow through the multiple kelp beds required to reach the research sites on the islands. The new Cormorant was equipped with two diesel engines, but they were not as powerful as the one engine on the first ship. However, the new Cormorant would prove to be very seaworthy and did not have the rust problem that the old was facing.
