People always cite early 20th century tramp steamers as the model for this. But I see it more like the small sailing ships which still carried coastal trading cargoes well into the past century, particularly along the coasts and among the islands of the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas . . .

In fact, it looks like modern fears of global warming have inspired something of a comeback for such vessels. At least, it has inspired a set of what seem to be adventurer sorts to try their collective hands at it . . .

http://www.svtreshombres.com/  

If you hover your mouse over "More . . ." and then click on "Latest News," you're sent to the blog posts, which dated this week, from the middle of the North Sea . . .

Although you certainly can't call them "Ethically Challenged Merchants," they're definitely real Travellers! And REALLY crazy!