Details
Construction
Dimensions
History
DAYBREAK is a Humber keel built by Richard Dunston at Thorne in 1934, with official number 163174. She was commissioned by Hanley's, a firm of flour millers based in Doncaster and was one of the last sailing keels built. DAYBREAK initially traded under sail, primarily carrying grain from Hull to the mill at Doncaster. In 1939, her first engine, a two cylinder Lister, was fitted. At this time all her sailing gear was removed. DAYBREAK has now been fully restored and re-rigged with her original keel rig. Her hull is constructed from riveted steel and she has one timber mast rigged with a square sail. The hold is converted to living accommodation, although she still has her original cabin. Her current engine is an inboard diesel made in 1981 by L. Gardner, model 5LW, with five cylinders and seventy-six horsepower. DAYBREAK is normally moored on the River Thames, where she is used as a home. She regularly participates in sailing events and sails the Thames Estuary to the East Coast during the summer.
Key dates
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1934
Built by Richard Dunston of Thorne as a Humber Keel for Hanley’s, a firm of flour millers based in Doncaster, Yorkshire
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1939
Fitted with a 2CYL Lister engine and all sailing gear removed. She continued to carry grain from Hull to the mill at Doncaster
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1979
Sold to present owner and fully restored to 95% external appearance, the interior was converted for residential use
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1981
New engine installed (Gardner 5LW)
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1986
Restored to sail
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2012
Selected for the Avenue of Sail at the Queens Jubilee
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2014
Winner as Flagship of Year by National Historic Ships UK
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2015
Vessel is thought to be in Staines, in good condition and in use as a Houseboat
Own this vessel?
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk