National Historic Ships UK (NHS-UK) has appointed Sea Scamp (1936 Racing Yacht, Southampton) to act as its Flagship of the Year for 2026 and ‘fly the flag’ for maritime heritage.
Sea Scamp was “Awarded in recognition of the vessel’s 90th anniversary when she will be attending multiple events including the Cowes Spring Classics, the Classic Channel Regatta, Offshore Cruising Club Regatta, and the Little Ship Club Fast Cruises. Sailing between the West Country, Channel Islands and North Brittany, with a new promotional film under way, there will be plenty of opportunities to see this vessel afloat.”
Built in 1936 by Abeking and Rasmussen, Germany, and originally named Zeisig, she was used by the Luftwaffe for navigator training and recreation in the Baltic. In 1945 she was sailed to England as part of war reparations, one of around 200 such vessels which became known as ‘Windfall Yachts’. Offered to the services yacht clubs on her return, she was successfully raced for many years by the Royal Marines, Royal Navy and was later used for Sea Cadet training.
Sold into private ownership in 1984, the Sea Scamp Syndicate was subsequently set up to sail and maintain her and now has around 110 members of all ages and abilities. She has taken part in many races and regattas, regularly attends maritime festivals, and sails around the Solent in the spring and autumn with a long summer cruise further afield.
Sea Scamp celebrates her 90th anniversary with a special Open Day at Ocean Village Marina, Southampton. All visitors welcome on Saturday 11th of April from 5 – 7pm.
The Syndicate is open to new member to share the opportunity to care for and enjoy such a national treasure. Please find further information on www.seascamp.org.uk and www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/register/1840/sea-scamp
The other three National Historic Ships UK (NHS-UK) 2026 Flagships are:
- Hydrogen (Maldon, Essex)
1906 Spritsail Barge which once carried tar, creosote and oil from the Thames and Medway to Grangemouth, served on the Clyde during WWII, and now operates a variety of sailing trips from Maldon. Celebrating 120th anniversary in 2026. - Redshank (Bristol)
1936 Narrowboat which once transported cargoes such as coal, timber and Rose’s Lime Juice between Birmingham and London, and now operates passenger and charter trips in Bristol and along the River Avon. Celebrating 90th anniversary in 2026. - The Golden Hinde (London)
Full-size reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s famous Elizabethan galleon which circumnavigated the globe in the 1970s, now celebrating 30 years as a heritage and visitor attraction on the Thames at Southwark.
NHS-UK’s annual Flagship Awards have been running since 2009. The Awards provide an opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate the value of historic vessels to the wider public. This can be through a variety of online activities, special events, open days, workshops and tours. Applications were received from a range of operational and static craft on the National Register of Historic Vessels based on their seasonal programmes and planned level of outreach.
This year all four Flagships are celebrating a special anniversary in 2026, just as NHS-UK is celebrating its own 20th anniversary. The 2026 Flagships will receive a special broad pennant to fly at the masthead, and an engraved brass plaque for their vessel, courtesy of sponsor Engraving Studios. Each Flagship will hold a flag-hoisting ceremony during April and May to celebrate its new status.
Flagships promote the role of National Historic Ships UK by publicising its annual Photography Competition, Excellence in Maritime Conservation and Marsh Volunteer Awards. They will also be flying the flag as ambassadors for the UK’s maritime heritage sector. NHS-UK will work closely with each of the Flagships to promote their vessel and offer support and advice.
