The Kathleen & May leaks badly through her hull and a temporary measure of applying sawdust in and around her hull has been applied. The sawdust gets drawn in by the inflow of water, it expands and temporarily seals the gap. When the vessel moves in the water, the sawdust washes out! The vessel is in need of emergency repairs if she is to survive.

The goal of this epic 100-day fundraising appeal has been organised by the Kathleen & May CIC, formed in 2024 and registered with Companies House to acquire and preserve this iconic vessel. Upon success in meeting the fundraising target, the Kathleen & May be will be acquired by the CIC as a community vessel and will immediately dry-docked for emergency repairs in early 2026 at the world-leading shipyard of T. Nielsen & Co in Gloucester Docks.

Out of thousands of vessels, only one unconverted wooden sailing coastal schooner of this type survives, the Kathleen & May. Launched in 1900 in Connah's Quay as the Lizzie May, she sailed from North Wales for eight years before she was sold to owners' in Youghal, Ireland. In 1931 she was sold again to owners in Appledore before she was she was laid up in 1961.

In the 1970s she was selected as a cornerstone of the Maritime Trust as part of the National Historic Ships Fleet. In the late 90s, she was once again rescued and restored under new ownership in Bideford and displayed in Liverpool.

The vision for the Kathleen & May CIC through the Kathleen & May is to honour the seafarers who made Britain's maritime trade possible and recognise who they were, the families that supported them, and the owners, shipbuilders, suppliers and agents that supported the trade.

Beyond the emergency repairs, the longer term aim is to see a restored Kathleen & May return to sail from the Port of Gloucester, a Heritage Harbour. The vessel would sail each summer to every corner of Britain and Ireland for 20 years as a research and exhibition centre. From the shore a graceful vessel will sail by, in harbours and seaports, the Kathleen & May would be a compelling visitor attraction.

Any contribution is really appreciated to help us reach our target of £258,678.

The Kathleen & May was designated a National Treasure by the Arts Council in 2011. She is a cultural legacy of maritime transport, a survivor with one last chance to be saved.