Up there with Ross and Rachel, Jim and Pam, and Bert and Ernie for the all-time great modern will they/won’t they stories, we have the question over whether or not some bloody boat will be officially named Boaty McBoatface.
The naming rights to the British Natural Environment Research Council‘s $380m new vessel were thrown open to the public (and the internet) who declared proudly in one united voice that this was the name for them.
Unfortunately, and citing a very real rule in the competition guidelines, the council has the last say on the actual name, and chose to exercise that right in flat-out ignoring the howls of the masses.
But until all is lost an another name is committed to the hull of the ship through the permanent etchings of paint, there is always a faint glimmer of hope; hope that the light will be seen and that the name will stay.
But now, no matter what happens, you could stand to profit a tidy sum.
Gambling money people William Hill have announced that they’ll be taking bets on whether or not the name sticks for good.
The company, however, is not hopeful that the right call will be made (naming the damned boat with that silly, silly moniker) and as such the negative option has started as an overwhelming favourite. Thus spoke William Hill spokesperson Jessie Cooper:
“We hope the board of the NERC see the value in sticking to what the public want, it’s a PR dream and could do wonders at increasing those interested in polar expeditions. But sadly, it seems unlikely.”
On the question “Will the new Polar Research Vessel ‘Boaty McBoatface’ retain it’s name?” “No” is currently paying $1.30, whilst “Yes” is netting a cool $3.25.
If gambling’s yr thing, that’s probably not the worst bet in the world.
Source: William Hill.
Photo: NERC.
