Gresham Yacht Design has launched a fresh set of detailed renderings of its proposed 118-metre National Flagship. The motor sailing yacht harks back to a golden era of yachting, with three billowing sails that proudly display the Union Jack. 
Photo: Gresham Yacht DesignIn an interview, Steve Gresham, Owner & Design Director of Gresham Yacht Design, laments “that this is not a Royal Yacht, it’s a National Flagship. And as such, having sailing credentials of being ecological and green is such an important feature.”
Gresham Yacht Design first proposed the design in 2020, well ahead of the competition outlined by 10 Downing Street in May of 2021 to replace the decommissioned Royal Yacht Britannia. During Theresa May’s premiership, it was stated that: 
Photo: Gresham Yacht Design“This new national flagship will be the first vessel of its kind in the world, reflecting the UK’s burgeoning status as a great, independent maritime trading nation. Every aspect of the ship, from its build to the businesses it showcases onboard, will represent and promote the best of British – a clear and powerful symbol of our commitment to be an active player on the world stage.”
Photo: Gresham Yacht DesignThe concept proposed by Gresham Yacht Design certainly fitted the bill – and notably it was one of, if not the only, sailing yacht proposed to be commissioned for the National Flagship. Christened Project Albion, the proposed National Flag Ship is an impressive 118-metre tri-masted sailing yacht.
“The team at Gresham Yacht Design sharpened its pencils in 2020 and got to work to create their vision for this prestigious vessel,” Gresham told SYT. “With a strong belief that the National Flagship should harness the power of wind, the concept for a large sailing vessel was born and has been developed from there.”
Photo: Gresham Yacht Design“This design incorporates a large double-height atrium with office and meeting room spaces for practical and official use when moored at home, abroad or at special events,” Gresham continued. “The vision for the interior would be functional and engineered to be as environmentally conscious as possible, using wind and hybrid power for sailing.”
Some of the National Flagship’s standout features include a capacious ballroom, two helipads and a hydrogen limousine tender. 
Photo: Gresham Yacht Design“The National Flagship project is a very exciting proposition and would be an unmatched opportunity to demonstrate the best of British talent to the world,” Gresham concluded. “It would be an opportunity to create a versatile and multifunctional vessel that could be used for official events and exhibitions alongside private meetings and dinners for government officials and dignitaries.”
Photo: Gresham Yacht Design