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Conversion to Hydrogen. Daybreak was built without and engine and much as we love our reliable old Gardner diesel engine, we think the time has come to install a more environmentally friendly alternative. I am now looking into replacing the Gardner, and the inboard generator, with electric drive fed by a combination of batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. There would be an interesting symmetry if Daybreak, the last vessel built in the UK to carry cargo under sail, became the first vessel of its type to be propelled by hydrogen.
Art Project for 2020. The Art project planned for this summer is currently on hold because of the Covid 19 lockdown. We hope to be able to continue with the project as soon as we able to restart the work with local schools. Details of what we are planning are on the Art Project page.
Historical research. I am continuing my research into the origins and history of keels. A presentation that I had prepared for a talk before the Covid 19 crisis is now on the History page.
Daybreak is a fully rigged Humber keel and we believe she was the last vessel to be built in the UK to carry cargo under sail. The Humber keel is a square rigged sailing barge, the origins of which date back to medieval cargo vessels. Daybreak is owned by Tony and Sally Woodward who bought her in 1979 and have restored her to sail and converted the hold to provide living accommodation. Daybreak sails regularly on the Thames and on the east coast.
National Historic Ship Number: 1834
British Registered Ship No: 163174
Builder: Richard Dunston Ltd. Thorne
Date Built: 1934
Owners: Tony & Sally Woodward
