Never ask the internet for its ideas
So the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) asked the internet for suggestions for the name of their new ship. Currently in the lead, whupping Endeavour, Henry Worsley, David Attenborough, Falcon, and similar grown-up names, is Boaty McBoatface. I think that would be a fabulous name for a boat – although Hotty McHotterson would also be nice.
The £200 million polar research vessel, which will be operational in 2019, is set to sail the waters of Antarctica and the Arctic carrying a team of 90 scientists and support staff.
In a statement NERC said: “Tonne-for-tonne, the ship – together with NERC’s existing two blue water research ships – will provide the UK with the most advanced floating research fleet in the world and will help put the UK at the forefront of ocean research for years to come.”
NERC was looking for a name to reflect the ship’s prowess in the oceans, symbolising the pioneering work they will undertake.
When thinking of submissions, they advised: “We’re looking for an inspirational name that exemplifies the work it will do.
“The ship could be named after a local historical figure, movement, or landmark – or a famous polar explorer or scientist.”
Ah well if they stipulated then they probably won’t go with Boaty McBoatface, but it was a nice idea.
Oh lordy. I needed that laugh!
A lot of the entries are really funny and clever, but at the instigation of Twitter friends I put my oar in, so to speak, with the majority. It’s a shame democracy won’t prevail.
The Internet: “Your scientists already have all the inspiration they need– they get to do science! But they need some whimsy. Let us give them whimsy.”
Boaty McBoatface is a fine name for a boat, but this is a ship.
Are the looking to name it after a dead person?
If not how about this one?
http://www.barbarahillary.com
There has been a great deal of animosity over trivial issues on this blog, but somewhere one needs to draw a line. This mis-shippenning of a boat will not stand.
A “ship” is a sailing vessel with at least three square-rigged masts and a full bowsprit. Other vessels do not qualify. :-P </whimsy>
… also, Shippy McShipface sounds to me too much like… something that doesn’t quite end in ‘shipface’.