A piece of ocean-exploration history is poised for a new chapter. The historic 68-foot catamaran Moulin à Vent, once part of Jacques Cousteau’s pioneering fleet, is undergoing a full restoration in St. Augustine, Florida. The project is led by the Once Was Lost Stewardship Initiative, a nonprofit focused on ocean plastic recycling and awareness.
The team launched a crowdfunding campaign on October 28 with an initial public goal of $50,000. The ultimate target is $300,000 to complete the rebuild and return the boat to service.
Used as a research vessel in the 1980s, Moulin à Vent (“Windmill” in French) will be transformed into a modern, environmentally focused platform for exploration and conservation.
“This is no ordinary boat restoration,” said Kyle Gerecke, CEO of Once Was Lost. “We’re reviving a legacy and giving her a new mission for the oceans in a time when they need it most.”
The plan calls for solar-electric propulsion, recycled-plastic components, and onboard media and research capabilities. Once refit, the catamaran will support marine-debris cleanup, scientific expeditions, educational programs, and documentary storytelling across the Atlantic and Caribbean.
Supporters of the campaign will receive behind-the-scenes access to the refit process, along with memorabilia and opportunities to sail aboard the vessel after her return to service.
Phase one of the effort includes a haul-out, structural repairs, and documentation of the work through a public mini-series and exclusive backer updates. Later phases will focus on outfitting the boat for long-range sustainable operations.
For details or to support the project, visit the Once Was Lost website.
Inspiring the Next Wave of Ocean Stewards
Cousteau’s legacy has shaped generations of sailors, divers, and marine scientists. The restoration team hopes Moulin à Vent will spark new curiosity among young ocean enthusiasts, just as Cousteau’s expeditions did decades ago.
Youth outreach is planned as part of the vessel’s future mission, including education programs, hands-on science, and storytelling aimed at encouraging the next generation of sailors and conservation-minded adventurers to explore and protect the sea.
