Boaty McBoatface wins public vote to name new polar research vessel
The British sense of humour triumphs again.
The brilliantly ridiculous Boaty McBoatface has won a public vote to name a new high spec ship that will be home to scientists in the arctic and antarctic researching everything from ice sheets to marine life.
The competition to name the £200m polar research vessel hit headlines due to the comedy name.
The brainchild of comms manager James Hand who has called the attention "crazy", thanked everyone who took it "in the right spirit" on Sunday morning.
Thanks to everyone who took #BoatyMcBoatface in right spirit. Final say goes to @NERCscience, and there's plenty of worthy winners.
— James Hand (@JamesHand) April 17, 2016
Indeed, whether the public vote will have any sway with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) remains to be seen. Naming the ship remains in its hands, but the competition certainly captured the nation's imaginations more than the group probably expected.
Our #NameOurShip campaign has now closed. Thank you all for your overwhelming interest and support. pic.twitter.com/xuSG0S7DaF
— Natural Environment Research Council (@NERCscience) April 17, 2016
Alongside further comedy suggestions, several more meaningful ones also gained huge support, including Poppy-Mai, after a baby battling cancer, and Katharine Giles, a young polar scientist killed while cycling in London's rush hour.
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Regardless of the final decision, the Boaty McBoatface name has provided much amusement which is likely to run and run. The latest instalment in what may just be the biggest meme of the year so far, comes from Australia, where a racehorse has been named Horsey McHorseface.