UK Flagship Project

[CharlieDelta]

Had this up on the OfficerCadet Facebook and Twitter and it got a pretty positive response. Wondering what everyone thinks?

Promoting the UK, nationally and abroad, by investing in the development of the most disenfranchised young people, aspiring young leaders and world class academics through science, education and training

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The UK Flagship will create the largest and most modern square-rigged education, adventure training and research sailing ship in the world: a rallying point for the nation, she will represent the values of equality, pride, opportunity though education, achievement, and endeavour. The Project will be aimed at young people, with the intention of helping them to explore and experience the world around them, whilst gaining recognised qualifications and valuable life skills.

More here

They have around ?15m of the ?80m required so far.

[chris]

Well I like the idea in principle, but why sails? I can see the place for tall ships in the sail training field, but I'd prefer a modern diesel electric ship so that the young people can get an idea of engines and electrics too.

Well I'm sitting back waiting for the abuse my comments may have stirred up.

South Africa has started using a research vessel for the same sort of project http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._A._Agulhas

[CharlieDelta]

Cutaway from Daily Mail from last year (click here for article and more pictures). How much of this would actually be included in the final build is up for debate, but apparently she'll have podded propulsion.



I get the impression that this might be more "Windstar" than proper tall ship.

[Clanky]

Having sailed on tall ships both as a kid as a trainee and as an adult as Bosun and engineer I can't praise initiatives like this enough. Great tosee.

[size4riggerboots]

I get the impression that this might be more "Windstar" than proper tall ship.

Depends entirely on what kind of keel she has, but to be fair I've had the Wind Star going at 7.9 kts under sail alone! It's not just a question of having sails, it's knowing how to use them