At Wine Dark Sea Research, we are driven by a deep passion for both the sea and maritime heritage. Our founder, William Lund, a young sailor with a profound love for traditional vessels, first fell in love with the iconic East Coast fishing smacks while volunteering aboard the historic ketch Excelsior. It was there, amid the salty air and the rhythm of the sails, that the connection to these timeless ships became undeniable. The experience ignited a desire to preserve the craftsmanship and spirit of these vessels for future generations.

When the opportunity arose to save Jubilee, a 150-year-old fishing smack, the decision was clear. The dream of restoring and repurposing this historic ship into a sustainable research platform became a calling. With determination and a deep respect for both tradition and innovation, we are bringing Jubilee back to life and to the very port where she was built all those years ago. Our work is a personal journey—one that connects history, the environment, and a shared future on the open seas.