The Edith May is a historic wooden Thames sailing barge constructed in Harwich, Essex, in 1906. Designed primarily for cargo transport, she measures approximately 80 feet in length and features a traditional flat-bottomed hull suitable for navigating the Thames and East Anglian waters. Her initial rigging was typical of Thames sailing barges, with a gaff rig, though she was later converted into a motor barge. Throughout her working life, Edith May was owned by William Barrett of Leytonstone and later by Alfred Sully, who managed her from just after World War I until her retirement. She was primarily employed in carrying cereals like wheat and barley between East Anglia and London, with her largest cargo being 133 tons of wheat from Manitoba, Canada. Typically, she carried around 120 tons of cargo. In 1952, a 120-horsepower Ford diesel engine was installed, allowing her to operate as an auxiliary-powered vessel. Her active racing career began after her conversion in the 1960s, when she was re-rigged and became a successful competitor in Thames sailing barge matches, winning numerous events, including the notable 1953 Coronation Match. In 1957, Edith May was converted into a motor barge in Colchester, and later, her masts and rigging were restored when Vernon Harvey bought her. She continued to compete successfully in races into the 1970s and early 1980s. After her working days, she was moved to Liverpool and later returned to Maldon, where she was used as a museum ship and later as a charter vessel. Her later years included periods of reduced maintenance, but she was restored in 2010, with new sails measured in 2009 and a series of public exhibitions and festivals. In recognition of her maritime heritage, Edith May was awarded the Flagship of the Year 2012 by National Historic Ships UK and participated in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest parade of boats. She continues to be based around the Thames and Medway area, hosting events, races, and a popular weekend tearoom at Lower Halstow, maintaining her significance as a living piece of maritime history.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.