R/V Marie Tharpe, a 65 foot steel schooner, serves as the research platform and flagship for the Ocean Research Project. This Annapolis-based nonprofit is dedicated to scientific exploration under sail, in pursuit of the knowledge necessary to better understand human-induced stress on the ocean. Ocean Research Project's mission is to observe the unknown and monitor humanity’s impact on the Ocean through dedicated interdisciplinary field expeditions.

Last year was Marie Tharpe's first Virtual Race, and they've come back for more in 2023. 100% of the funds raised last year went towards their research. For Marie Tharpe, the Virtual Race is an exciting opportunity to raise awareness about the Ocean Research Project, and to showcase this amazing research vessel.