Description of the Expedition

The Voices of Pelagos sailing expedition in the Pelagos Sanctuary was born from the desire to intertwine scientific cetacean observation, ocean listening, sailing, and contemporary artistic practice.

On board, participants will be guided through a journey that combines scientific insights into Mediterranean cetaceans, moments of sailing and data collection, embodiment practices, listening, movement, writing, voice, and artistic expression. No prior artistic background is required: this experience is designed for anyone wishing to connect with the Mediterranean in a deep, participatory, and mindful way, letting themselves be guided by the intersection of science, ecology, and sensitivity.

The expedition is organized in collaboration with the WWF as part of its cetacean monitoring activities in the Pelagos Sanctuary. However, it introduces a brand-new component: the meeting between scientific knowledge, bodily perception, deep listening, and artistic creation. Each day thus becomes an opportunity to observe the sea not only as an ecosystem to be studied, but also as a living space of relationship, presence, and transformation.

The scientific facilitation, led by Laura Pintore, a marine biologist and Mediterranean megafauna expert for the WWF, works alongside the artistic facilitation, led by Daniela Marcozzi—an interdisciplinary performing artist, director, and researcher with a background in both environmental sciences and performing arts. Daniela is also a certified whale-watching guide who has spent years developing artistic research focused on the relationship between humans and cetaceans, embodiment, and the perception of the more-than-human world.

The scientific program will be managed by an expert WWF guide. Participants will learn cetacean observation and identification techniques using strictly non-invasive methods. From wildlife photography and photo-identification to behavior monitoring and sampling methodologies, this experience will offer an inside look at researchers’ work and the scientific value of data collected at sea. The equipment used will be typical of monitoring activities: GPS, reticle binoculars, and cameras for analyzing images and behaviors. An hydrophone will also be available on board to listen to the underwater soundscape, allowing participants to explore marine acoustic landscapes, potential cetacean vocalizations, and the unique sounds of the underwater environment.

In the evening, upon returning to the harbor or anchoring in a bay, the day’s experiences will be processed through moments of feedback and artistic reflection. These sessions can take various forms: verbal sharing, performance improvisations, vocal practices, writing, sound compositions, sensory observations, or small collective creations inspired by the time spent sailing, waiting, or encountering the cetaceans.

No specific prior artistic experience is required. The project is open to artists, performers, educators, researchers, and anyone wishing to experience the Mediterranean through an immersive journey that weaves together ecology, perception, scientific knowledge, and artistic creation.

By coming on board, you will immerse yourself in an experience that goes far beyond simple sailing: you will become an active part of a scientific mission dedicated to the understanding and conservation of marine megafauna. Touching some of the wildest and most authentic areas of the Tuscan Archipelago, this is an invitation to listen to the Mediterranean from a truly unique perspective.

Info & Registration:

Please, for more info and registrations, send an email to daniela.marcozzi@gmail.com or mare.movement@gmail.com and check Sailsquare’s dedicated webpage.