Historic ships fly the flag for vessel conservation

NHS-UK has awarded four very different craft the status of Flagship of the Year 2024; one National Flagship, one static and two operational vessels.

Championing conservation

Built for the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER) to replace war losses, the Waverley was launched in October 1946. 

The vessel is the last Clyde paddle steamer built and the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, with a busy cruise schedule planned for 2024.

This year 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.

The Challenge meanwhile is the last surviving example of a large purpose-built Thames ship-handling steam tug, built by Alexander Hall of Aberdeen.

It will attend two major international events this year – Dordrecht in Steam and D-Day 80 in Normandy – as well as its participation in local festivals around the Thames Estuary for the rest of the summer.

Provident, the Brixham trawler built by Saunders & Co at Galmpton on the River Dart, is celebrating her 100th anniversary in 2024.

It will be celebrated with a return cruise from Scotland to Brixham, bringing together ex-crew and other surviving Brixham trawlers in a celebration Regatta event.

Finally, Lady Daphne is a 101-year old Spritsail barge built by Short Brothers, Rochester, for Thomas Watson Shipping. She was named after her owner’s eldest daughter at her launch in 1923.

She is now moored at Charlestown Harbour, which is offering a varied events programme to include open days, floating fayres, music and quiz nights, artists studios and even the launch of the vessel’s own ale and spirit range. 

Each of the 2024 flagships will receive a special broad pennant to fly at the masthead, a copy of the NHS-UK guidance manual Conserving Historic Vessels and a brass plaque for their vessel.

NHS-UK’s annual Flagship Awards have been running since 2009. The awards provide an opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate the value of historic vessels to the wider public.