"Boaty McBoatface" Wins Vote for Name of New Boat, but NERC May Crush Voters' Dreams

Impact

The Natural Environment Research Council asked the internet to name their new $300-million polar research ship, and the internet happily obliged: The seas welcome RRS "Boaty McBoatface."

Read more: This Woman Made a Boat Shaped Like Her Vagina — and Was Arrested for It
NERC

Last month, NERC started their #NameOurShip campaign; the nomination for "Boaty McBoatface" was spearheaded by James Hand.

When the polls closed Saturday, April 16, NERC had received nearly 7,000 different suggestions. "Boaty McBoatface" came out on top, but there were some other colorful entries, such as "It's Bloody Cold Here"; "Usain Boat"; "Boatimus Prime"; "I Like Big Boats & I Cannot Lie"; and "What Iceberg?"

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In the top five, there were also more serious entries, such as nominating to name the RRS in tribute after Poppy-Mai or British explorer Henry Worsley.

NERC had previously stated in a press release that they would be reviewing all the suggested names before making the final decision. Which is to say: Boaty McBoatface could get vetoed in favor for a less internet-kitschy name.

I guess Joy McJoykill is also out of the running. 

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h/t IFLS