Four historic vessels from around the UK have been chosen as this year's Flagships of the Year by National Historic Ships UK, the official voice for historic vessels in the country. The annual Flagship Awards, which have been running since 2009, celebrate the value of historic vessels to the wider public and provide an opportunity to showcase them through a variety of activities, such as online events, special tours, workshops, and open days.
This year, more than twenty vessels on the National Registers applied for the awards, and four very different craft were chosen as Flagships of the Year. These included one National Flagship, two Operational, and one Static. The 2024 Flagships will receive a special broad pennant to fly at the masthead, a brass plaque for their vessel, and a copy of the guidance manual "Conserving Historic Vessels" courtesy of Engraving Studios.
- National Flagship of the Year: Waverley (Paddle Steamer, 1946 - Glasgow) Awarded in recognition of her ambitious cruising programme around the UK during which she is scheduled to visit 70 ports / piers, her dedicated marketing plan and high level of outreach across all major social media platforms. 2024 marks the 50th Anniversary since Waverley was gifted for £1 and the ship will also boast new display boards, activity leaflets and a range of special offers.
- Operational Flagship of the Year: Challenge (Steam Tug, 1931 - Medway) Awarded in recognition of her planned attendance at two major international events - Dordrecht in Steam and D-Day 80 in Normandy - incorporating live public displays and real-time social media updates, as well as her participation in local festivals around the Thames Estuary for the remainder of the summer.
- Operational Flagship of the Year: Provident (Brixham Trawler, 1924 - Oban) Awarded in recognition of plans to celebrate her centenary with a return cruise from Scotland to Brixham, bringing together ex-crew and other surviving Brixham trawlers in a celebration Regatta event, as well as ongoing public engagement and social media activity throughout the season.
- Static Flagship of the Year: Lady Daphne (Spritsail Barge, 1923 - Charlestown) Awarded in recognition of the extensive planned programme of events which include open days, floating fayres, music and quiz nights, artists studios and even the launch of the vessel's own ale and spirit range. The creativity and variety demonstrated in the application was inspiring and reflects the growth of interest in the vessel locally through news and social media.
Flagships act as ambassadors for the UK's maritime heritage sector and promote the role of National Historic Ships UK by publicising its annual Photo Competition, Excellence in Maritime Conservation, and Marsh Volunteer Awards. NHS-UK will work closely with each of the Flagships to promote their vessel and offer support and advice.
To celebrate their new status, each Flagship will hold a flag-hoisting ceremony in May or June, with the first confirmed for Challenge in Harwich, Essex, on Thursday 9 May. Local press are welcome to attend and receive details of dates when they are announced by emailing NHS-UK.
