She was used to carry various cargoes (mainly grain) until 1952, when a diesel engine was fitted, after which she was used in various Thames Sailing Barge matches, winning several.

The Thames sailing barge Edith May was built for her original owners, William Barrett of 153 Mornington Road, Leytonstone, Essex[2] and her first skipper was Captain Howard.

[1] The barge continued in the ownership of Sully's throughout her working life, carrying cereal products, wheat, barley etc.

[1][8] In January 2010, she was award a sustainability grant of £1500 for her sails, which was made from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships.

In April 2012, she became the Flagship of the Year 2012 and awarded £1,000 from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships UK.

Martyn Heighton,(Director, National Historic Ships UK) was quoted II am delighted that in the year of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant the status of Flagship has been awarded to a vessel specifically designed to trade on the river Thames.

[11] The Edith May team were delighted to receive the Flagship award from National Historic Ships at their presentation ceremony aboard HMS Belfast on Wednesday 24 October 2012.

Anglia Television produced a programme about Jack Spitty and his barge Edith May as part of the Bygones series.

[5] In April 2012, Edith May was selected for Avenue of Sail in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3 June 2012.