THE CREW OF THE HERACLITUS WISHES YOU A PROSPEROUS AND PEACEFUL NEW YEAR 2026!
OVER 50 YEARS OF ART, SCIENCE & ADVENTURE
HISTORY
“Its name would be Heraclitus, after the philosopher of the cosmic ocean of change and of change itself ever-changing.”
Since 1970, Institute of Ecotechnics (IE) has catalyzed demonstration projects aimed at harmonising technology with the biosphere. IE co-founder, John Allen, suggested that an oceangoing ship was key to an understanding of the planet’s diversity. IE’s ecologists, artists and thinkers decided to build our own ship.
The ship has sailed over 270,000 nautical miles through six oceans, continuously exploring traditions of those who have lived on the sea, with the aim to create an onboard cadre of contemporary sea people. Crew members have participated in numerous projects and expeditions.
EXPEDITIONS
Coral Sea to Mediterranean Sea
2006 - 2010
The Heraclitus set sail from Cairns, Australia, to the Southern Indian Ocean and South Africa, where it entered dry-dock near Cape Town with assistance from the Uruguayan Navy which was also docked there. Following extensive repairs, the Heraclitus crossed the Atlantic to Brazil where crew members met with members of an affiliated project, the Matutu Foundation (www.matutu.org).
NEWS of Heraclitus
The Crew completed painting Heraclitus inside & out!
January 7, 2026
R/V Heraclitus paint coat inside and out has been fully applied, completed on December 19, 2025. Next steps are cleaning and clearing up the construction site, designing and planning and the outfitting of the interior with the ship’s systems. In 2026 over 50 people came to work and help getting the ship closer to sailing. Corina del Carmel, a crew member and Mexican artist painted the new eyes.
JOIN THE VOYAGE
Sea People “Ready, Willing and Able!”
Over forty years, hundreds of aspiring managers, ecologist, artists and explorers have joined the crew. The skills we’ve acquired on this unique ship are many: sailing, navigation, small group dynamics, public speaking, interactions with cultures, direct contact with the forces of nature (an experience all too rare in the modern world except in catastrophes!). Many have gone on to make important contributions in the worlds of ecology, science, and management. Their time on the Heraclitus has left an indelible positive mark on their personal journeys.
We are committed to offering those opportunities to the next generation.
Generously supported by
Cobscook Bay Fund
Quaker Hill Foundation
