The TangaroaisNew Zealand's largestresearch vessel and was already scheduledto head into frigidsouthernwaters to check on fish Numbers in order tosetfishingquotas.
Happy Feet was released from the research vessel Tangaroa on 4 September into the Southern Ocean about 50 miles (80km) north of the remote Campbell Island.
Although a similarly "primitive" construction, the Tangaroa benefited from more recent research on ancient sailing techniques and had a broader sail, adjustable centerboards and a hardwood cabin.