Daybreak

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.

April 2012  Vessel selected for Avenue of Sail, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3 June 2012.  Source: National Historic Ships UK.