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 48-foot (14.6 meter), clinker-planked Trading Wherry. The entire process is being filmed in an exciting, informative series on YouTube.

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.

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.

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.