<div>Hello there! My name is Don McDermott, I am a boatbuilder and sailor based in the UK and I am building a historic-class wooden sailing vessel—a 54-foot (16.5 meter), clinker-planked Trading Wherry. The entire process is being filmed in an exciting, informative series on YouTube.
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<div>I am planning for my wherry, Lady Garnet, to join the ever-growing sail cargo movement. She will operate on the Thames and will ideally be able to carry roughly 15 tons (15,000 kg). With her enormous, eye-catching, black gaff-rigged sail, Lady Garnet will also be a living connection to Britain's rich maritime history.
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<div>There once were over 300 trading wherries in the UK, but they dwindled away before the Second World War, and nowadays only two remain - and neither of them are able to carry cargo. Lady Garnet will revive this traditional class of working sailing vessel in a victory for both the community of historic ships and sustainable shipping.
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<div>I began work on Lady Garnet in January 2025, and any contributions towards the early costs will be gratefully received. The beginning is always a crucial time for a project of this magnitude, so I thank everyone for their support in donating and sharing.
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Building Lady Garnet - Early Funding

Still £10,105 to go. Help us build momentum.