A Cornish fishing vessel has been announced as one of four historic boats appointed by National Historic Ships UK (NHS-UK) to act as its Flagships of the Year for 2025 and ‘fly the flag’ for maritime heritage.

Built in 1881 in St Ives, Barnabas is owned and operated by the Cornish Maritime Trust from Newlyn harbour.

Barnabas will receive a special broad pennant to fly at the masthead and a brass plaque. Each Flagship that was appointed will hold a flag-hoisting ceremony during May and June to celebrate its new status.

The honour comes just a week after Barnabas was voted ‘Centenarian of the Year’, receiving the highly-coveted Gstaad Yacht Club award at the Classic Boat Awards.

Rob McDowell, Cornish Maritime Trust skipper and trustee entered the humble 143-yearold Cornish lugger for Flagship status never dreaming she could actually win.

He commented: “There are over 1,500 vessels on the National Historic Ships register so it’s a huge honour for Barnabas to be picked to fly the flag for maritime heritage.

“As an island nation, maritime history is at the heart of British culture. But keeping historic vessels afloat takes passion and masses of support and we have our work cut out to ensure future generations can enjoy these old boats as we do now.

“Barnabas was already a colourful ambassador for Cornwall - now she’ll be sailing as an official ambassador for National Historic Ships. We’re absolutely thrilled and looking forward to a busy, exciting year ahead as their Flagship!”

NHS-UK’s annual Flagship Awards has been running since 2009 and provides an opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate the value of historic vessels to the wider public.

Competition was strong for the coveted accolade this year, with applications received from a range of operational and static vessels on the National Registers based on their seasonal programmes and planned level of outreach.