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.   

Every year, The Clyde Maritime Trust marks the anniversary of Glenlee's launch with their annual lecture, noting 2021 has the added celebration of the historic ship's 125th year afloat having been built in 1896.

The Trust for this year' lecture is delighted to welcome Hannah Cunliffe, Director of National Historic Ships. In addition the Trust is proud to be the 2021 flagship of the UK government funded, independent organisation.

The National Historic Ships provides objective advice to UK governments and local authorities, funding bodies, and the historic ships sector on all matters relating to historic vessels in the UK.

Hannah will share her vision of the future for historic vessels.

The free lecture will be held on board and broadcast digitally. This is to take place next month, on Monday 6th December 2021 - 6.45 for a 7pm start.

To digitally join the event for this special evening and to register follow this link.

This year, as the UK re-opened, historic vessels welcomed the public back on board.  Digital skills learned in lockdown were retained, and there was a resurgence of in-person events and activities. National Historic Ships UK (awards video) therefore awarded a Virtual, Static and Operational Flagship for the first time. 

As for the 2021 Static Flagship, this was awarded to Tall Ship Glenlee – Barque: in recognition of the vessel's public outreach and engagement activities, planned involvement in events celebrating and promoting the city of Glasgow - including the ‘summer of play’ .

In addition the tallship's visual presence on the Clyde as a backdrop to the city's hosting of COP 26, see related UN Special Envoy for Oceans on board visit.

#HistoricBoats - Volunteers on the UK heritage steamship, SS Shieldhall, are celebrating having received one of the highest accolades from a national organisation.

The Southampton-based vessel has been chosen as the 2018 regional flagship for the National Historic Fleet. (Click in SS Shieldhall) or for other vessels listed among them Afloat adds is the former Irish Sea trading schooner, Kathleen and May. The schooner a decade ago was chartered by CMTV to transport a commercial cargo of French wine to Dublin, see related coverage.

Returning to the UK award, which was given not just because of the Shieldhall's unique history but also in recognition of the work put in by the volunteers and the comprehensive sailing programme for visitors.

Speaking at the presentation on Weds 6 June, Director of National Historic Ships, Hannah Cunliffe, said: ‘We are looking for vessels to be our ambassadors and to promote maritime history. ‘The Shieldhall was chosen because of the efforts made by all the volunteers who keep her maintained and running. We recognise it is the 30th anniversary of the ship being taken over by the Solent Steam Packet Charity and we wanted to acknowledge that as well.’

Ms Cunliffe said there are now 1,300 ships on the National Historic Register. ‘In order to be included they should be more than 50 years old, over 33 feet in length and based in the UK,’ she explained.

Within the register is the National Historic Fleet with just 217 ships which are of national or regional importance; illustrate an example of maritime history and are worthy of long-term preservation. Shieldhall is one of these ships along with such prestigious vessels as the Mary Rose – the oldest on the register – and the Cutty Sark.

The Shieldhall was chosen as the NHF national flagship in 2009 but since then the fleet has grown considerably and the awards are now given regionally.

Joint chief engineer Graham McKenzie said: ‘I think it’s a great reflection of the work carried out by the volunteers. All the work these people have put in over many years has yet again been recognised by the national body for historic ships.’

Shieldhall's Sailing Schedule 

If you would like to sail on the Shieldhall there are numerous opportunities coming up in June and early July, with sailings on:

Saturday 16th June (Southampton Docks Cruise - Morning, 11am - 1pm)

Saturday 16th June (Southampton Docks Cruise - Afternoon, 4pm - 7pm)

Sunday 17th June (Fathers Day Sailing with Shieldhall Stompers Jazz Band, 2pm - 6pm)

Saturday 30th June (Head to the Solent Cruise, 4pm – 7pm)

Sunday 1st July (American Independence Day Jazz Cruise, 2pm – 6pm);

Saturday 7th July (Cruise to watch the Round the Island Race, 10am – 5pm)

Sunday 8th July (Southampton Docks Cruise and see 3 cruise ships depart, 4pm – 6pm)

For further information visit https://www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk/excursions