Anyone catch this story? I heard about it on NPR, can't stop laughing!
from the Independent (UK):
"The official name of a new multi-million pound research vessel could be the RRSBoaty McBoatfaceafter the internet was asked for its ideas.
When the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) opened up suggestions to name their new ship, little could they have predicted what the frontrunner would be.
Steaming ahead of its rivals, RRS Boaty McBoatface is outstripping the likes of Endeavour, Henry Worsley, David Attenborough, Falcon and many more offerings.
Some other tongue-in-cheek submissions include It’s bloody cold here, Usain Boat, Ice Ice Baby and Notthetitanic.
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.
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. We would like the name to be inspirational and about environmental and polar science, to help us tell everyone about the amazing work the ship does.”
So naturally Boaty McBoatface, suggested by communications manager James Hand – who later tweeted an apology for his input – is the most popular choice."
from the Independent (UK):
"The official name of a new multi-million pound research vessel could be the RRSBoaty McBoatfaceafter the internet was asked for its ideas.
When the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) opened up suggestions to name their new ship, little could they have predicted what the frontrunner would be.
Steaming ahead of its rivals, RRS Boaty McBoatface is outstripping the likes of Endeavour, Henry Worsley, David Attenborough, Falcon and many more offerings.
Some other tongue-in-cheek submissions include It’s bloody cold here, Usain Boat, Ice Ice Baby and Notthetitanic.
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.
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. We would like the name to be inspirational and about environmental and polar science, to help us tell everyone about the amazing work the ship does.”
So naturally Boaty McBoatface, suggested by communications manager James Hand – who later tweeted an apology for his input – is the most popular choice."
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