Amongst the sleek superyachts that usually reside at MB92, a rather unusual vessel has recently arrived in La Ciotat. FLIP (FLoating Instrument Platform) may not be the usual clientele but what she lacks in looks, she more than makes up for in personality, with a fascinating history and an ambitious project ahead.
What makes FLIP truly remarkable is its impressive ability to “flip” from a horizontal to a vertical position. This unique design submerges part of its structure, giving it remarkable stability—an essential feature for oceanographic research. At 108 metres long and launched in 1962, FLIP served for over 50 years as a vital tool for advancing our understanding of the oceans, particularly in acoustics.