Built in 1924 by Warrens Shipbuilders of New Holland, Comrade is one of the last surviving Humber keels, having once been a familiar sight carrying cargo along the rivers and waterways of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. These distinctive sailing barges were designed with shallow drafts and leeboards, making them perfectly suited to the tidal Humber and its network of inland canals.
Comrade spent her early working life transporting goods such as coal and grain between towns and ports across the region, playing a vital role in the local economy before road and rail gradually took over.
The Humber Keel & Sloop Preservation Society purchased Comrade in 1974 and lovingly restored her to sailing condition. Today, she is part of the National Historic Fleet and remains a fully operational vessel, crewed by volunteers who keep traditional sailing skills alive. More than a museum piece, Comrade continues to tell the story of the Humber’s maritime past through public sailings, events, and educational activities.
