Name the new boat

Regular readers may remember the news in late October of a new attraction on the canal at Audlem – a boat offering leisure trips from Audlem to Overwater Marina, the Secret Bunker and occasionally up to Nantwich.

The boat has been borrowed by Rod Cottrell who was photographed here with Janet Maughan of Overwater Marina in the Autumn.

Sea trials of the 16ft whaler have continued over the winter and applications for funding to fit out the boat with seating for twelve passengers, weather proofing covers, safety equipment and a new engine have been made. A team of volunteer coxswains is also being assembled.

It is expected, subject to funding success, that the boat will be purchased, fitted out and will go into service after Easter. The question is, what should the vessel be called?

Audlem Online is today launching a competition to find a name – all suggestions are welcome. The prize will be a ride on its maiden voyage – which may rule out Titanic from the likely winners!

Thomas Telford and Shroppie Flyer or Fly are likely to feature in the early runners and, given that the launch may coincide with the Royal wedding, Princess Kate or, with due deference, Princess Catherine could be topical. Queen Camilla might have to wait for a sister ship to be launched sometime in the hopefully distant future.

Given the onerous Health & Safety considerations involved, Overwater may be preferable to Underwater!

Suggestions, please, to editor@audlem.org">editor@audlem.org or to the Chatbox. A distinguished local panel of experts will be assembled to assess the entries over a drink or three.

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