National Historic Ships UK, a government-funded independent organisation that advises the British government and others on matters relating to historic ships, has appointed four vessels, among them a ferry to act as its Flagships for 2022.
The annual Flagship of the Year Awards provide an opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate the value of historic vessels to the wider public through a variety of online activities, special events, open days, workshops and tours.
Competition was strong for the coveted accolade, with applications received from a range of operational and static craft on the National Registers based on their seasonal programmes and planned level of outreach. After due consideration, three operational vessels were chosen, with the fourth award focusing on virtual engagement which has become so vital in recent years.
Hannah Cunliffe, Director of National Historic Ships UK, commented: “It was a pleasure to see the renewed enthusiasm from operational craft for these Awards after the challenges faced during the pandemic and I look forward to working with the new Flagships as we share our maritime heritage with the public, both physically and virtually, in the months ahead.”
Flagships are expected to actively promote the role of National Historic Ships UK by publicising its annual Photographic Competition, as well as the Excellence in Maritime Conservation and Marsh Volunteer Awards. They will also be flying the flag as ambassadors for the UK’s maritime heritage sector.
National Historic Ships UK will work closely with each of the Flagships to promote their vessel and offer support and advice. The 2022 Flagships will receive a grant of £250 to be spent on the vessel or related digital activities and a special broad pennant to fly at the masthead.
Among the flagships, is the west Scottish coast 'Skye' island passenger and car ferry MV Glenachulish which the NHS UK Awarded Operational Flagship of the Year 2022.
Afloat.ie highlights that the six car capacity Glenachulish is the last manually operated 'turntable' ferry still in UK operation and also the world.
The 20m craft is run by The Skye Ferry on the 20 minute service between Gleneig and Kylerhea, see their twitter 'dog' and vehicle video operations.
