The Internet Decided To Name This $380 Million Boat 'Boaty McBoatface'
In case you thought people from the UK actually took science seriously.
The National Environmental Research Council, based in the UK, is building a new ship and they need a name.
As per NERC's website: "The Natural Environment Research Council is the UK's largest funder of independent environmental science, training and innovation, delivered through universities and research centres." NERC is building the above pictured vessel—which is thus far nameless—as a means to study Arctic and Antarctic waters.
In an effort to name the ship, NERC reached out to the UK public for naming suggestions via the Internet. Obviously, naming a government-funded ship is something that should be taken quite seriously, but just like anything the Internet touches, the naming turned into one big joke.
One name in particular has been leading the poll: "Boaty McBoatface."
If that isn't the funniest thing I've ever heard, I don't know what is. Naming the ship "Boaty McBoatface" was suggested by UK resident James Hand. At time of writing, there are nearly 4,000 suggestions for the boat's name. "RRS Boaty McBoatface" is winning in a landslide with nearly 30,000 votes. "RRS Henry Worsley" is trailing significantly, with just over 3,000 votes.
It looks like the trolls might just get their way on this one—at least in the public forum of NERC's website. Apparently, the final decision lies with NERC's chief executive. But that doesn't mean people all over the UK haven't already made a mockery of the royal ship and its potential name.
James Hand, who suggested the name "Boaty McBoatface," apologized on Twitter to NERC for the stir he'd caused.
The apology seems a little half-hearted—like maybe he's sorry for making a fool of the NERC organization, but he's still quite proud of being hilarious. Hand's name suggestion led NERC to be inundated with a plethora of other equally ridiculous and hilarious name suggestions.
Another name suggestion, currently sitting ninth in the poll and suggested by Lyn Summers, is "RSS Usain Boat."
Yes, the naming suggestions are full of puns.
"RSS Boatimus Prime," suggested by David Hejral, is ranked 13th in the poll.
Not quite a pun, but I love imagining Optimus Prime as a boring scientific research boat.
Many of the names are clever or outrageously silly, but Louis Marrs just wants to call the thing RRS Boat.
And that is perhaps the funniest name of all. There's nothing greater than referring to one of the most technologically advanced sailing vessels of all time as just "Boat." You have to imagine they'd just haphazardly spray paint it on the side of the ship, because everyone seems to be giving up when it comes to naming the thing. Most surprisingly? This suggestion is sitting in seventh place. I'm so proud of you, UK.
What do you think the boat should be named?
Check out NERC's boat naming website to submit your own suggestion before it's too late! #NameOurShip