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Comrade under sail today
Comrade was purchased by HKSPS from Captain Fred Schofield in 1974 whilst she was still contracted to Hodgson’s tannery to carry three more cargoes for their premises on Beverley beck side.
On completion of the sale the contract was fulfilled on behalf of HKSPS with Fred as master working the ship on the old system of thirds. On completion of the contract the restoration of the vessel to her original sailing configuration commenced under the guidance of Fred and was to take two years until the first sail on Saturday August 14th 1976. Fred was nervous but the day was perfect and enjoyed by everyone on the following two days the trip was repeated for the BBC and Yorkshire Television, Fred was as proud as punch.
During 1974 – 76 York, Leeds and Lincoln were visited with an exhibition and on the York trip Comrade wore the flag of the Admiral of the Humber as the Lord Mayor of Hull was on aboard.
Comrade still in trade
The mast and yards were made by society members together with the halyard, sheet, tack and lee board rollers, all blocks and deadeyes were also made by the same group of volunteers.
Once rigged Fred took on training of a crew of four (five with Fred)) and regular sailing weekends were organised throughout the summer months.
When the Queen visited Grimsby and Hull in 1977 Comrade was off Grimsby to welcome the `Britannia`.
In 1979 Grimsby, Leeds, Knottingley, Castleford, Wakefield, and Thorne saw Comrade for short stays all of which were well supported.
1980 saw history made when the Keel went to sea, to Bridlington to be exact, the first time a Keel had visited that place since Thomas Scarr took a cargo of bricks and roof tiles there in 1905.
Fred insisted that his ship would enter under mainsail and topsail and as she passed between the harbour heads hundreds of holidaymakers rushed to see this strange visitor from the past: at the critical moment a small boy’s voice was heard to exclaim “is that a galleon dad?” The visit was a resounding success.
The Queen officially opened the Humber Bridge in 1981 and as the royal car crossed over the bridge the Duke looked down as Comrade was about to pass under the bridge, raised his hand in salute, Fred waved back !.
Comrade has appeared in three TV documentaries `The Past Afloat`, `Voyage Between Two Seas` and `Spilling the Wind` and the film `Black Jack`.
Fred Schofields farther, mother & sister with Fred’s wife seated on the hatch, Fred took this picture in 1934 at Stainforth.
In 1982 Fred retired again! and passed `his` ship over to the present crew but remained a fount of knowledge and guiding light until his death in 1993.
Comrade has continued to operate successfully sailing on about 10 weekends through the summer months with a party of twelve on each day some of the parties book from one year to the next, in fact some of the members have been sailing longer than some of the present crew.
Sailing in square rig is an experience but if you join us,
never ! never ! never ! refer to Comrade as a barge or a boat.
She is a SHIP!
Colin Screeton.
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