Living on a barge offers a romantic lifestyle enjoyed by the waterborne community and for many it’s a dream – to get away from it all, especially if your barge is seaworthy and can travel along the coast or via inland waterways.

But what is it really like to be liveaboards like this? The January edition of Classic Sailor has the story of Tony and Sally Woodward, who have restored their 61ft steel Humber Keel Daybreak into a beautiful living space. They have now lived aboard for 36 years and their two children grew up aboard as well.

Tony in one of the bedrooms

Tony in one of the bedrooms

The Humber keels had a distinctive square sail on a single mast, which the couple replaced – the original having long gone. She is very authentic in appearance, but all her hold space has been converted into cabins and living space. Fully story by Maurice Grey in our January issue.

Under Sail - photo Pamela Chapman

Under Sail – photo Pamela Chapman

Daybreak in her trading days

Daybreak in her trading days