#MARINE RESEARCH YACHT– The 36m French marine biology research yacht Tara, skippered by Loic Valette, sailed under motor-power into Dun Laoghaire Harbour from Lorient this afternoon, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The two-master is operated by Tara Expeditions which is a non-profit organisation which aims to learn more about the impact of climate change on ecosystems. She has travelled extensively on expeditions to both poles and throughout the world and where the organsiation have collected samples and data to the scientific community.

The port of call is so that she can take part in the Dublin 'City of Science 2012' festival.

Tara will be moored alongside the harbour's East Pier during tomorrow and Thursday, where the public are invited on board to tour the vessel on a first come first served basis. Opening times on both days are between 1-7pm and taken in small groups, noting limited accessibility. Crew will provide guided tours of the class B aluminium built yacht once owned by Jean-Louis Etienne and Sir Peter Blake. For further details click HERE.

As previously reported, the Marine Institute's RV Celtic Explorer docked in Dublin Port today in advance of the ESOF 2012 conference which is the highlight of the year-long science festival. For information visit www.dublinscience2012.ie