THE HUMBER KEEL 'COMRADE'

The Society acquired the steel Keel 'Comrade' in 1974. She had been built at Warren's shipyard, New Holland 1923 for Turner Carmichael of Hull as the 'Wanda' and traded mainly in the barley trade to Wakefield, returning with coal to Hull. Her second owner, John Taylor of Hull, changed her name to 'Ada Carter'. In 1929 the Schofield family of Beverley purchased her, re-named her 'Comrade' and later converted her into a powered vessel. She carried varied cargoes to the West riding and South Yorkshire, usually returning with coal to Hull and Beverley.

The Society received grants from the Science Museum and the Maritime Trust to purchase 'Comrade'. Much voluntary labour and fund raising by members and generous help from local firms resulted in restoration work being virtually completed in August 1976 and 'Comrade' sailed again on lie River Humber, the first keel to do so for over 30 years. She has been rigged in the traditional way, with square mainsail and topsail, under the guidance of the Society’s Honorary Commodore, Captain Fred Schofield.

In the winter, 'Comrade' is berthed on Beverley Beck, and in the summer she sails regularly on the Humber. A well deck has been installed so that up to 12 people, in addition to the crew, can be carried in safety, and galley and toilet facilities are available. Proper safety equipment is carried. 'Comrade' can also be used for exhibitions and social events, and has been on view to the public at Beverley, Hull, Grimsby, Lincoln, Nottingham, Newark, York, Leeds, Wakefield, Castleford and Thorne. In August 1980 she sailed up the coast to Bridlington, the first keel to go to sea under sail for 75 years.

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