Plans for a 127m vessel
A new ‘Royal Yacht’ has been called for by yachtsman and retired advertising entrepreneur Ian Maiden.
Maiden says she would act as a Commonwealth Flagship bringing huge benefits to Commonwealth countries, many of them still developing economically, in helping to trade and exhibit their exports, and for training and education. Usage of the ship by the Royal Family would add prestige but would take second place to the ship’s main focus.
The new ship is designed by naval architects Jon Bannenburg with detailing by consultants BCTQ of Southampton. The ship is 127m long and would be crewed by 80 Commonwealth members.
MP Julian Lewis has added his support to the project. “The concept of a new Commonwealth Flagship is both visionary and practical,” he says. “Visionary, as a revival of the much-loved and much-missed Royal Yacht; practical as a Commonwealth-focused travelling centre for the promotion of UK trade and enterprise.”
As 84th in a long line of Royal Yachts that stretches back to 1660 the Commonwealth Flagship would take its place beside the hard-working Britannia to hold a proud place in British maritime history. Maiden adds “No new yacht has caused this degree of controversy since King Charles II acquired his Jachtship, the first Royal Yacht, from his Dutch friends in 1660”.
The Commonwealth Flagship website invites opinions and support. “I am now inviting someone to pick up the baton and run with it and carry the project forward,” concludes Maiden. For further information visit www.commonwealthflagship.com.