Boats on the Thames

 

This is the boat that has become known as Boaty McBoatface. It is the polar research ship about to embark on its maiden voyage to Antarctica. Its correct name is RSS Sir David Attenborough. 

The boat docked at Greenwich last Thursday as part of a three day celebration hosted by the British Antarctic Survey and Royal Museums Greenwich. It has been undergoing sea trials around the UK and is now ready for service. Its aim is to conduct world leading and ground breaking research in the Antarctic and Arctic regions.

A public vote to name the ship came up with Boaty McBoatface but officials intervened and named it after the well known  and respected broadcaster and natural scientist Sir David Attenborough. A research submarine carried on the ship has taken the name voted by the public. I think to the public the ship will always be called Boaty McBoatface

Another boat I spotted on the Thames this week was The Kismet which was moored east of Tower Bridge. This 95 m long super yacht was built in 2014 for the billionaire Shahid Khan. I believe you can rent the yacht for $1.2 million a week so if you are thinking of a little break on the water somewhere this is what it offers:

State of the art luxury spa, movie theatre, grand piano, sauna, jacuzzi and barbecue area. It has a 'champagne and caviar theme' including a black marble deck, a full gym, helipads and a lift. One of the bath tubs is made of solid onyx and there is a retractable fireplace with an integrated waterfall and a winter garden deck. The aft deck is connected to a sports bar and can be transformed into a dance floor if needed. The downside is it can only welcome 12 guests in 7 lavish cabins so it might not have accommodation for the whole family!