Hi, I’m Sailor Barry, and together with my partner Hailly, we’re breathing new life into Thunder Child, our traditional wooden sailboat inspired by 1860s Norwegian rescue vessels.

As we document every step on YouTube, many of you have asked how to support the project. This GoFundMe exists because of that generosity.

With your help, we’ll outfit Thunder Child with a full new rig and sails—bringing her one step closer to safe and seaworthy adventures along the coast and beyond.

Thank you for helping make this dream a reality, and for being part of this journey with us.

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The Boat:

Thunder Child was built in 1969 and launched in 1971. She’s a 1930s design by renowned yacht designer William Atkin, based on the proven 1860s Norwegian rescue boats by Colin Archer. These vessels are famously stable and capable in any sea state—especially the punishing North Sea.

She was built right on the shores of Deadman’s Island in Vancouver and is quite possibly the only boat ever constructed there.

With your support, she’ll become a world-capable vessel—honoring tradition in her lines and methods, while embracing modern materials and safety systems. Our goal is to blend history and innovation in a way that’s both seaworthy and educational.

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Sails:

We’re ordering a full new set of sails in traditional tanbark: mainsail, mizzen, and two furling headsails. We’re also adding an asymmetrical spinnaker for off-wind performance.

Finances:

Hailly and I are committed to making this happen one way or another. But community support would allow us to approach the project more efficiently—and avoid spreading it over multiple years.

The full cost of new sails and rigging and all other major upgrades are in the range of $25,000 to $35,000 CAD, so we’re not expecting this fundraiser to cover everything. Even partial support, however, will dramatically speed up the timeline.

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The Rig:

We’re replacing all the galvanized steel rigging with modern synthetic rope: Dyneema DX Core 78 HPS, traditionally parcelled and served, then finished with a rig blacking mix—honoring the look and feel of classic standing rigging, with the advantages of modern materials.

Everything will be documented in detail and shared on our YouTube channel, free to watch, learn from, or simply enjoy.

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Timeline:

With partial or full support from this fundraiser, we believe we can complete the sail and rig restoration by summer 2025—a full year ahead of schedule.

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How Funds Will Be Used:

• 50% – New sails (custom-built, tanbark)

• 25% – Rigging materials and tools

• 25% – June 10th, 2025 haul-out, survey, and upgraded insurance (required for extended travel)

This will give us the peace of mind and practical readiness to begin coastal voyages and continue sharing the beauty of our region, responsibly and safely.

Together we will transform this boat inside and out!

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Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comments. And thank you again for believing in what we’re building—not just the boat, but the story we’re sharing with all of you.

A HUGE Thank You for your support!

Sailor Barry & Hailly!