Scenic Eclipse II christened by NASA astronaut Dr. Kathryn Sullivan

Accompanied by Scenic Group owners Glen and Karen Moroney, NASA Astronaut Dr. Kathryn Sullivan christened one of the world’s most technologically advanced ultra-luxury yachts, Scenic Eclipse II, in front of an esteemed audience in Málaga, Spain on June 3.

With Málaga port decorated for the festive occasion and the evening sun beaming down on the guests, speeches were made by Scenic Group founder and chairman Glen Moroney; president of the Málaga Port Authority Carlos Rubio – who presented a special plaque to Moroney – deputy minister for tourism, Mr Victor Gonzalez, and Dr. Sullivan.

Dr. Sullivan is an American geologist and oceanographer, and a former NASA astronaut. She is the first American woman to walk in space and a veteran of three shuttle missions. Dr. Sullivan also holds the honour of being the first woman to visit the deepest spot in the oceans, the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, seven miles below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. Dr. Sullivan, having received many accolades and awards during her distinguished careers, is also the holder of three Guinness World Records: the first woman to reach the Challenger Deep, the first person to visit space and the deepest point on Earth, and the greatest vertical extent travelled by an individual (within Earth’s exosphere) – thus the title as the “World’s Most Vertical Person.”

“I was so honoured to be asked to be Godmother of Scenic Eclipse II as it was not something I ever expected,” stated Dr. Kathy Sullivan during the christening of the Discovery Yacht. “But now that I have had the opportunity to tour the ship with Glen and Karen Moroney and hear their story and see their vision for travel, I am eager to join her for a sailing. Seeing the level of luxury that is possible in what is truly an expedition vessel has me wondering what the Moroneys could do with the rather restrictive confines of the Space Shuttle and the super cramped environment of the submersible we used to dive the Mariana Trench. I am touched and honoured to be Scenic Eclipse II’s Godmother.”

“It is rare to find anyone who has the list of unprecedented accomplishments achieved by Dr. Kathy Sullivan,” suggested Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of The Scenic Group. “The depth of her experiences above our planet, and on and below our seas, and her incredible passion for exploration is truly inspiring and is what we feel makes her the perfect representation of our newest Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht. Although we are not able to duplicate some of her more extreme adventures – yet – we do believe that Scenic Eclipse II offers our guests exploration possibilities unlike any in the industry. We are so honoured to have Dr. Sullivan as the Godmother of Scenic Eclipse II and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”