National Historic Ships UK

07/12/2023

07/12/2023

Who's going down to Trinity Buoy Wharf this Sunday to see SS Robin arrive at its new home? Don't forget to tag us in your photos so we can share them...

Important note: the following timetable is subject to weather conditions on the day. Please check our socials (Facebook, X and Instagram) for the latest updates before setting off to Trinity Buoy Wharf on Sunday morning.

07/12/2023

VESSELS AT RISK

Under current UK legislation, there is no protection for craft on the National Historic Ships UK Registers, meaning NHS-UK is not able to prevent a significant vessel from being destroyed or scrapped if a decision is taken to end its life, although we make every effort to seek a viable alternative.

During 2019-2023, in line with the objectives in our Forward Plan, we undertook the following activities to help the increasing number of registered historic vessels finding themselves at risk:

- published an updated second edition of Recording & Deconstructing Historic Vessels, the first two volumes in our three-part guidance series 'Understanding Historic Vessels'

- improved the display and type of material held in relation to craft on the National Archive of Historic Vessels

- undertook an At Risk Assessment of the National Historic Fleet, introducing a traffic light system to highlight and monitor craft

- produced At Risk Guidance for vessel custodians detailing the help we can offer in at-risk situations, the best approach to take and what process to follow.

You can read and download a summary report of the At Risk Assessment carried out in Autumn 2023, as well as our At Risk Guidance paper, on our website:
https://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/page/vessels-risk

07/12/2023

We're looking forward to supporting Sea-Change Sailing Trust with this exciting new project including the launch of new introductory training for seafarers. ⬇️

We are delighted to announce a very exciting new project for Blue Mermaid in 2024. Thanks to the support of the Lottery Heritage Fund we will be taking Blue Mermaid on tour next year to ten ports between Lowestoft and Ramsgate, opening the barge to members of the public in each port and screening the film 'Wind, Tide & Oar' in the hold. The aim of the project is to introduce more people to Thames sailing barges and inform people about their heritage and the work they do today.

Blue Mermaid doesn't have an engine so her tour will be undertaken using just wind and tide. Each voyage will be crewed by trainees learning about maritime heritage. There is a recognised skills shortage in the industry and we have teamed up with National Historic Ships UK to produce a new training course that will launch on this tour. Watch out for more news on this very soon.

Thames sailing barges are a huge commitment for their owners to keep in operation. We hope to meet lots of new faces on our tour and many more people will know about these amazing vessels as a result. Some people may want to book charters with their friends, some will have practical skills that could help with maintenance, others will be fundraisers of marketers, and some of them may be inspired to become the barge skippers of the future!

Keep an eye out for an announcement about our tour dates and locations, and please come and visit us in one of the ports!
🤟🎬📽😁
Sea-Change Sailing Trust
UK Sail Training
Wind, Tide & Oar
National Historic Ships UK

07/12/2023

Wearmouth Wednesday at NELSAM… minus 2 🥶 yet this is Bob laughing in the face of a mire of wires… it’s all progress! ⚓️

07/12/2023

07/12/2023

Home The coast of the North East of England from Berwick in the north to Whitby and beyond in the south, has an extremely rich maritime, historic and cultural heritage. From the age of sail and right up to the 1980′s it was one of the principal shipbuilding areas in the UK, a main source of employ...

07/12/2023

Our long awaited 2024 cruise schedule is now online! Thank you to all who have messaged us for dates.... https://www.thedanny.co.uk/events

07/12/2023

06/12/2023

We're excited to announce that Irene, from the National Small Boat Collection, has been shortlisted for the Cornwall Heritage Awards Object of the Year 2024!

The theme for the awards is Stories of Place: Cornish Landscapes, which shines a spotlight on Cornwall’s unique places by drawing attention to objects that tell stories of both the natural and built landscape.

Haul-tow punt Irene was built c.1950 specifically for use in Falmouth Oyster Fishery – a unique fishery preserved by byelaws that ensure oysters can only be fished by boats powered by oars or sails, which has made it very sustainable and preserved a traditional way of life.

Find out more about Irene's fascinating story and cast your vote: https://tinyurl.com/2n8dvup4

06/12/2023

06/12/2023

Today we were more than a little bit excited to welcome media presenter, military historian and honorary Captain RNR Dan Snow, for some heritage lottery funding related filming onboard.

Dan also hosts the podcast and is active on various social
media platforms bringing to life many historical subjects though his “history hits” series. Please do check his media links in the comments section and look out for more about WELLINGTON.

It really is fantastic to see the ship returning to life once again, and we soon hope to have more news related to our next stage of opening. Watch this space!

06/12/2023

Important note: the following timetable is subject to weather conditions on the day. Please check our socials (Facebook, X and Instagram) for the latest updates before setting off to Trinity Buoy Wharf on Sunday morning.

06/12/2023

06/12/2023

We're hiring!

POLICY, PROJECTS & COURSE MANAGER (Job Share, 2 days)

Would you like to join our small & friendly team in the heart of maritime Greenwich?

National Historic Ships UK is the official voice for historic vessels in the UK. It acts as an advisory body and maintains the National Register of Historic Vessels, which lists over a thousand significant craft. It also manages the Shipshape Network which connects over 100 external projects and promotes the regeneration of traditional maritime skills and infrastructure.

The Policy, Projects & Course Manager will be responsible for the effective delivery of NHS-UK projects and distance learning courses. A key element of the role is the expansion of the Shipshape Network’s reach by connecting people, organisations and projects across the sector, ensuring NHS-UK is an active player in guiding and contributing to sector policy.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate experience in project and policy management, a track record of research including the use of questionnaires, and the ability to prepare formal advisory papers and reports. Excellent communication skills, including presentation skills and confidence in dealing with external agencies, are essential to this role, along with the ability to think analytically and strategically.

Read more & apply - closes at midnight on Sunday 17 December:
https://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/ship-shape/job/policy-projects-course-manager-national-historic-ships-uk-london

06/12/2023

“…time to reflect on how we got here and share some of the lessons we’ve learned along the way”

Two of the team working on the disposal of De Wadden reflect on the project with Museums Association 👇🏾

https://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/opinion/2023/11/reflections-on-the-de-wadden-schooner-disposal/

Windermere Jetty Museum
National Historic Ships UK

06/12/2023

We have new availability for a Residential Mooring to facilitate a flat bottomed, widebeam barge up to 14mtr LOA. This mooring would be alongside our quay wall, with provision of water, electricity and black waste pump out station.

06/12/2023

💛 Create wildlife habitats, accessible paths, picnic, and viewing areas beside our soon to be restored canal, lock, and Trans-Pennine Trail.

06/12/2023

The 2024 National Historic Ships UK Calendar makes a fantastic Christmas present, and it's only £10 inc P+P.

Get your order in by 3pm today or we can't send your calendar out until next week!

The 2024 National Historic Ships UK Calendar is out now!

The winning image of our 2023 Photo Competition - Sandy Miller's 'Sallie and the Wolf Moon' - graces the cover, and inside are 12 eye-catching photos chosen by our judges.

The calendar makes a fantastic Christmas present for lovers of photography and historic vessels alike, and the price is only £10 inc P+P.

Buy now:
https://nationalhistoricships.org.uk/sales

See inside the calendar:
https://www.facebook.com/NatHistShips/posts/pfbid0mcnGyvY8UsCyKGks5tgtRBxRGJy48da2pHQ2c7ei9hYjtj5TRzMYk4BQcgCXtCmNl

06/12/2023

Job Alert!
After a record-breaking year, The Unicorn Preservation Society has 2 vacancies - come and join the crew at this exciting time! Deadline 14 January 2024
Project Officer (6 months)
Volunteering, Engagement and Learning Officer (Parental Leave Cover)
More info:
https://hmsunicorn.org.uk/news/vacancies-2023

06/12/2023

NEW on the National Historic Ships UK Historic Vessels For Sale list:

CHISWICK (Motor Narrowboat, 1937)

Built by Harland and Wolff at Woolwich for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Co and traded on the major canals until the 1960s, one of the last narrowboats in commercial trade. Retains commercial licence. LOA 71ft 6in. MB 7ft, DR 3ft, approximately 12 tons unladen. Hull is riveted steel with a wooden boatman's cabin aft. Has bluff bow with raked curved stem and a counter stern, and horse towing mast. Re-bottomed 1988, re-cabined 1991, new counter deck 1983. A lovely example of a boatman’s cabin, with traditional art work, stove etc. Back cabin largely unchanged from days of cargo carrying whilst the front cabin has been converted under the canvas to living accommodation. Has had extensive hull refurbishment including the addition of a w**d hatch and under canvas steel work 2001-2006. Last surveyed in 2020 and blacked at the same time. Location: Braunston
https://braunstonmarina.co.uk/boat-details/nb-chiswick/

Looking to buy a historic vessel for restoration, for leisure, to liveaboard, or to operate as a business? Check out our complete Vessels For Sale list: www.tinyurl.com/vesselsforsale

06/12/2023

NEW on the National Historic Ships UK Historic Vessels For Sale list:

MY GIRL (Saloon Launch, 1931)
ENCHANTRESS (Passenger Tender, 1943)

For sale as part of business Coastline Cruises of Weymouth. Established 1947, this ferry and pleasure cruise business operates two historic boats with WWII history from Weymouth Harbour on trips along the Jurassic coast and the ferry service to Portland. Both boats are licenced as MCA Class 6 Passenger Vessels for 41 and 52 passengers, giving the potential for very good profits when operating with full boats. This could be an ideal business for an owner-operator who could maximise profits during the 7 month trading season, and may suit a semi-retired person as there is plenty of free time in the off-season months.

My Girl: 40ft open passenger launch, requisitioned by War Dept. 1939 and used to carry troops, ammunition and supplies to breakwater forts in Portland Harbour. To celebrate her 50th year of operation, My Girl was awarded the honour of being able to fly the Royal Artillery Pennant and was adopted by the Normandy Veterans Association. Still in good working order with ongoing refit maintenance. Location: Weymouth

Enchantress: Believed built in Canada in 1943 for the Royal Navy. Built with a strengthened hull for working with cables and chains and probably used in WWII for deploying barrage balloons around Portland Harbour as well as general duties ferrying troops and equipment. Location: Weymouth

https://www.apolloduck.co.uk/boat/businesses-for-sale/543879

Looking to buy a historic vessel for restoration, for leisure, to liveaboard, or to operate as a business? Check out our complete Vessels For Sale list: www.tinyurl.com/vesselsforsale

05/12/2023

The 2024 National Historic Ships UK Calendar is out now!

The winning image of our 2023 Photo Competition - Sandy Miller's 'Sallie and the Wolf Moon' - graces the cover, and inside are 12 eye-catching photos chosen by our judges.

The calendar makes a fantastic Christmas present for lovers of photography and historic vessels alike, and the price is only £10 inc P+P.

Buy now:
https://nationalhistoricships.org.uk/sales

See inside the calendar:
https://www.facebook.com/NatHistShips/posts/pfbid0mcnGyvY8UsCyKGks5tgtRBxRGJy48da2pHQ2c7ei9hYjtj5TRzMYk4BQcgCXtCmNl

05/12/2023

Just bought a historic vessel or need to renew your historic vessel insurance?

National Historic Ships UK & Winter & Co Marine's Historic Ships Policies are specially tailored for, and exclusively available to, craft on the National Register of Historic Vessels. Policies are available for Private, Commercial & Trust-owned vessels, as well as for organisations listed within our Shipshape Network.

Read more & get a free quote:
https://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/about-insurance

05/12/2023

05/12/2023

04/12/2023

Our Projects Manager Peter Green bookended a weekend in the west country with visits to Gloucester Docks to see some of the historic vessels moored there.

On Friday, Peter had an excellent day at T. Nielsen & Co visiting the National Historic Fleet schooner Kathleen and May Kathleen May Gloucester Docks (1900) and a number of other vessels currently calling Gloucester home. From Peter:

Kathleen and May is being well looked after by a small team of volunteers. Work has been carried out to ensure the vessel is clean and very well aired. Many thanks to Karen Taylor and the team (pictured) for showing me around K&M and sharing their enthusiasm.

Another National Historic Fleet vessel, the 1892 Brixham trawler Leader, is currently at Nielsen's getting some winter attention. She is currently owned and operated by Silvery Light Sailing of Newry, NI.

The 1904 West Country Trading Ketch Bessie Ellen is also spending the winter in Gloucester and looking fantastic. She is offering charters again in 2024 with a planned circumnavigation of the UK. Bessie Ellen is currently for sale, together with the charter business. Find out more: https://woodenships.co.uk/sailing-yacht/westcountry-trading-ketch-bessie-ellen

1909 Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Dolphin is also at Gloucester and also currently for sale. Find out more: https://woodenships.co.uk/sailing-yacht/bristol-channel-pilot-cutter-5

Tommi Nielsen has a very strong team in Gloucester. They are pictured here planking a vessel in oak, having steamed the planks in order to achieve the necessary twist. Tommi and the team also provide significant advice and guidance to volunteers and vessel owners who moor in the yard. This is clearly instrumental in helping ensure the survival of these craft.

Thank you to Tommi and Sarah for the tour of the boatyard and projects. It's clear to see from visiting the yard how Nielsens have achieved so many great restorations on some of our key historic vessels.

I'm back in Gloucester today (Monday) visiting the 1958 light vessel turned houseboat and unique holiday rental LV14 SULA Lightship. It was very kind of Vivienne to welcome me aboard at such short notice for coffee and a guided tour.

Finally, this morning there was just time for a quick visit to MV Balmoral at a very misty Bristol Harbour - and an unmissable photo opportunity!

Read more about T. Nielsen & Company, one of the world's leading specialists in repairing, restoring and building traditional ships and rigging: https://tnielsen.co.uk/

04/12/2023

*HISTORIC VESSEL FOR SALE*

GEMINI OF LEITH (Bermudan Sloop, 1947)
Built by the Berthon Boat Company of Lymington, of mahogany carvel construction with a Mercedes M636 diesel engine. The design was for a fast, seaworthy, comfortable boat, easily handled by a small crew. The current owner has the boat rigged for single-handed sailing. In 2008 she sailed round Britain via the Caledonian Canal and across the Bay of Biscay to La Coruna and on to her new base in Barcelona in 2009. A beautiful classic wooden yacht needing some repairs and improvements. Location: Barcelona
https://www.boatshed.com/berthon_gauntlet_14_ton-boat-272602.html

04/12/2023

Congratulations to John Wylson, who has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and commitment to preserving Lowestoft smack Excelsior Excelsior Trust👏.

A Lowestoft man has been recognised for his dedication and commitment to preserving maritime heritage.

04/12/2023

02/12/2023

Get your own copy of the 2024 National Historic Ships UK Calendar - only £10 inc P+P!

The calendar makes a fantastic Christmas present for lovers of photography and historic vessels alike.

Sandy Miller's 'Sallie and the Wolf Moon', the winning image of our 2023 Photo Competition, graces the cover, and inside are 12 eye-catching photos chosen by our judges.

Buy now:
https://nationalhistoricships.org.uk/sales

My picture made it to another calendar 😍 this time National Historic Ships UK after my picture was selected by judges to go on this year calendar 😊
Thank you

02/12/2023

Enjoy a little Christmas gift from us this weekend - 20% off everything on our site , this weekend only.
use code FESTIVECHEER

This photograph is from our archive , taken of the factory floor, fully decked for the festive season.
It’s a tradition we still uphold, sewing machines trimmed with tinsel and miniature trees on cutting tables 🎄

01/12/2023

We're hiring!

POLICY, PROJECTS & COURSE MANAGER (Job Share, 2 days)

Would you like to join our small & friendly team in the heart of maritime Greenwich?

National Historic Ships UK is the official voice for historic vessels in the UK. It acts as an advisory body and maintains the National Register of Historic Vessels, which lists over a thousand significant craft, as well as three other registers listing the UK’s historic and replica craft. It also manages the Shipshape Network which connects over 100 external projects and promotes the regeneration of traditional maritime skills and infrastructure.

The Policy, Projects & Course Manager will be responsible for the effective delivery of NHS-UK projects and distance learning courses. A key element of the role is the expansion of the Shipshape Network’s reach by connecting people, organisations and projects across the sector, ensuring NHS-UK is an active player in guiding and contributing to sector policy.

Read more & apply - closes midnight on Sunday 17 December:

https://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/ship-shape/job/policy-projects-course-manager-national-historic-ships-uk-london

01/12/2023

The 2024 National Historic Ships UK Calendar is out now!

Sandy Miller's 'Sallie and the Wolf Moon', the winning image of our 2023 Photo Competition, graces the cover, and inside are 12 eye-catching photos chosen by our judges.

Not on our mailing list or want to buy an extra copy? The calendar makes a fantastic Christmas present for lovers of photography and historic vessels alike, and the price is only £10 inc P+P.

Buy now:
https://nationalhistoricships.org.uk/sales

01/12/2023

Join us aboard The Golden Hinde this December for a Tudor Christmas trail, weekend history tours and escape rooms.
https://buff.ly/2ICvN4e

01/12/2023

01/12/2023

We've redesigned the National Historic Ships UK Vessels For Sale list! We hope you like it - please share widely to help us find new owners and secure a future for these historic vessels.