Last sailing barge to carry cargo relaunched

Britain’s last sailing vessel to carry cargo has been relaunched.

Cambria, a 92ft Thames sailing barge, traded from the Humber to the Exe and across the North Sea and the Channel from 1906 until 1970.

She then was used as a floating museum, before sailing into a state of disrepair.

A three-year project plus a £1million lottery fund donation has seen her rebirth.

She will be used as a floating classroom and sailing memorial to the work of the Port of London Authority and based in the Thames Estuary.

She is due to have her mast and sails hoisted over the next few weeks and will be ready to go sailing in time for the start of the summer season.

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Photo: Nick Ardley