Stepping back in time

01. The onsite state-of-the-art labs will facilitate processing of organic samples that can be studied in real time

02. The Proteus marine research platform will enable the discovery of new species of marine life, create a better understanding of how climate change affects the ocean, and allow for the testing of advanced technologies for green power, aquaculture and robotic exploration

03. Proteus allows divers to spend an entire day conducting research on the ocean floor because they are saturated (when the bloodstream is equalized with suitable gasses at the pressure of the surrounding water), enabling them to live, work and explore underwater

“Let us not forget that the ocean is the only reason that we exist.”

Nearest and dearest to my heart is being able to tell the story; to be this undersea broadcast station so that people can view what’s happening at Proteus...The most important thing is the human ocean connection. It goes back to what my grandfather said, people protect what they love. They love what they understand, and they understand what they’re taught. We have, unfortunately, become terrestrial beings in the evolution of our species, but let us not forget that the ocean is the only reason that we exist. It is the universal connector. It is responsible for everything that we cherish and depend on. And with that, we must be more connected with it in order to be able to generate the solutions and implement the solutions for the future of humanity.

Photograph Sam Power

Curiosity about the past – those who came before us – is a natural part of being human. But if your childhood dream is to follow in the footsteps of Indiana Jones, then a world of archaeological sites accessible by superyacht awaits. Here are FRANK’s five enticing options.

Rapa Nui Easter Island, Chile

ABOUT For the truly adventurous who are armed with a hardy yacht, Rapa Nui is hard to resist. The infamous monolithic ‘moai’ – meaning statue – are dotted around the island in the hundreds. Created between 1250 and 1500 AD by Polynesian settlers, it is a mystery how these vast human figures were carved and moved around the island. The quarry at Rano Raraku (a volcanic crater) is home to nearly 400 statues in different stages of completion.

BEST FEATURE The moai, with their characteristic oversized heads, stand with their backs to the sea. The tallest moai erected (now toppled) called Paro was almost 33-feet high and weighed 82 tons; the heaviest erected was a shorter but squatter moai at Ahu Tongariki weighing 86 tons.

WHEN TO VISIT During the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months from January to March to enjoy dry and warm weather.

YOKO CORREIA NISHIMIYA, SOPHIE YOGIS

Delos Cyclades, Greece

ABOUT In a country steeped in history, Delos takes the title of being one of Greece’s finest historical locations. The island is only accessible by boat and considered to be an archaeological site. Believed to be the birthplace of twin Gods Artemis and Apollo, Delos is today a living museum housing an incredible range of antiquities, from white marble colonnades to an intricately mosaiced floor in the House of the Masks depicting Greek god Dionysus sat astride a panther.

BEST FEATURE The Sacred Precinct and the Terrace of Lions carved from white marble are must-sees, while the sculpture collection in the island’s museum is spectacular.

WHEN TO VISIT May to October when it’s awash in yellow, red and purple wildflowers.

Ġgantija Temple Malta

ABOUT Named after the Maltese word for ‘giant’ because it was once believed to have been built by giants, the Ġgantija Temple is a short drive inland. The site is home to two temples dating between 3600-3200 BC, with huge megaliths over 16-feet long. A large limestone terrace at the front of the UNESCO World Heritage complex is thought to have been used as a ceremonial gathering place; animal remains on the site suggest some form of ritual sacrifice.

BEST FEATURE Ġgantija is considered one of the oldest freestanding monuments in the world.

WHEN TO VISIT Spring and early summer to catch ambient temperatures while avoiding the crowds.

KO HON CHIU, VISITSCOTLAND _ KENNY LAM

Skara Brae Orkney, Scotland

ABOUT As one of the most exceptional stone-built Neolithic sites in Europe, Skara Brae provides an incomparable insight into life in Scotland 5000 years ago. Pre-dating both the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge, the semi-subterranean village is remarkably well preserved after being buried in sand for over four centuries. It comprises eight houses built from flat stone slabs, linked by roofed passages. It was uncovered by a storm in 1850 when high winds whipped the grass away to reveal prehistoric abodes fitted with stone beds, dressers and seats.

BEST FEATURE Sometimes referred to as “The Pompeii of Scotland”, the scale of preservation at Skara Brae is an impressive feature. A rich catalogue of finds includes jewelry, dice, tools, pottery and even wooden furniture.

WHEN TO VISIT Summer, to seize the chance to further explore the surrounding sandstone cliffs and seal colonies.

Kourion Cyprus

ABOUT Kourion was once a powerful kingdom dating back to the 8th century BC. Boasting temples, baths, a Roman market, stadium, treasury, theater and early-Christian basilica, Kourion shares a tangible glimpse into life inside the busy city. Several buildings have surviving mosaics in situ, including The House of Gladiators, with a mosaic scene of two gladiators. Vast in its entirety, visitors should allow plenty of time to explore the entire site.

BEST FEATURE Step back in history with an open-air concert in Kourion’s restored Greco-Roman theater.

WHEN TO VISIT Between May and June or September and October, early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid large crowds.

CYPRUS DEPUTY MINISTRY OF TOURISM

Beneath the Waves

The ocean holds a treasure trove of archaeological sites – perfect to explore by snorkeling, scuba diving or the ultimate water toy, submarine. For some yacht owners, maritime archaeology is a true passion. The owners of 130-foot SILENTWORLD established the not-for-profit Silent World Foundation to help discover, support, promote and preserve Australasia’s rich maritime archaeology, history, culture and heritage. Each year the Foundation undertakes an expedition in search of ships of historical significance, using SILENTWORLD as the expedition base. Notable exhibitions include diving the wreck of the HMS BOUNTY of Mutiny on the Bounty fame.

For those keen to catch a glimpse of the past, a must see is the incredibly preserved merchant ship PERISTERA in Greece, which is now open to recreational divers. Dubbed “the Parthenon of shipwrecks”, the PERISTERA sank loaded with thousands of wine amphorae (long-necked bottles) in c.425 BC.

For a bigger scale site, Baiae is a Roman settle– ment at the bottom of the Gulf of Naples. Once a popular spa retreat for wealthy Romans drawn by thermal springs, Baiae gradually sank beneath the waves after volcanic activity shifted land levels. Now designated an Underwater Archaeological Park, there are eight key dive sites to explore. Equally as eerie and thrilling is Kekova in Turkey, a Roman port city, which also submerged after an earthquake in 240 AD. Diving is not permitted, but crystal clear waters allow you to kayak over the sunken city and gaze down on its remains frozen in time.