Kitty

Following 10 successful years of very different kinds of vessels from around the UK winning this award, National Historic Ships UK has again extended the scheme this year by appointing three Regional Flagships.  The Regional awards recognise the impact that many vessels make in their home cruising grounds, both in terms of public appeal at local events and numbers of passengers carried.

In announcing these awards, Hannah Cunliffe, Director of National Historic Ships UK, said: “I am delighted that we are able to offer these Awards once more and publicise the range of activities and the cruising programmes of these vessels in the coming season.  Our three Regional Flagships have all shown their enthusiasm for raising the profile of UK maritime heritage and we look forward to working closely with them in the months ahead.”

The Award criteria requires vessel owners to come forward with seasonal programmes to engage the public through festivals, demonstrations, on-board cruises, quayside visits, educational programmes, participation in races and similar activities. Flagships are expected to actively promote the role of National Historic Ships UK by distributing associated PR material and flying the flag as ambassadors.

The three Regional Flagships will each receive a grant of £250 to be spent on the vessel, along with a special Regional Flagship Broad Pennant (which has become a feature of the award) to fly at the masthead.

The 2019 Regional Flagships are:

Isabelle Fortuna

Isabella Fortuna (Scotland), Fishing Vessel – in recognition of the role she plays within the local community and the events the team have planned throughout the season.

Kingswear Castle

Kingswear Castle (South West Region), Paddle Steamer – in recognition of the high level of engagement she has with members of the public, plus her activities throughout the season.

Kitty (Thames Estuary), Sailing Barge – in recognition of the range of local events the team have planned throughout the season, together with her crew’s commitment to engage and educate passengers in the preservation of traditional sailing skills.

www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk

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