National Historic Ships UK announces the 2025 Award winners

Keeping our maritime heritage alive

Each year, National Historic Ships UK (NHS-UK) shines a light on the organisations, volunteers and photographers who help keep Britain’s maritime heritage alive. As long-standing supporters of their mission – and proud sponsors of the People’s Choice Award – we were delighted to see this year’s winners revealed on November 19 in a beautifully produced Awards film recorded across Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour.

Now in its sixteenth year, the NHS-UK Awards celebrate the full breadth of the sector: from outstanding photography to exemplary conservation, community volunteering and flagship vessels that act as ambassadors for maritime history. With the Awards premiered on YouTube, thousands of people were able to join the celebration and discover the remarkable work happening across the country.

Honouring this year’s winners

The Photography Competition once again proved hugely popular, attracting a record-breaking 750 entries from across the UK and beyond. This year’s theme – Craft & Crew – produced an extraordinary range of images capturing the skill, character and lived experience of historic vessels and the people who care for them.

We were especially thrilled to sponsor the People’s Choice Award, the only category decided entirely by public vote – our Founder, Tom Moreton, was on the judging panel. Huge congratulations to Kev Maslin, whose evocative black-and-white image Getting Ready for the Off captured the hearts of voters, earning more than 40% of the final tally. His atmospheric shot of 1937 narrowboat Stamford at the start of the annual Historic Narrow Boat Club cruise is a stunning tribute to Britain’s working-boat heritage.

Other winners include:

• Photographer of the Year: Top Down Triangulation by James Crisp
• Highly Commended: Tollesbury Saltings Sunrise from Above by Dan Brand
• True Classic Award: Boom Man by Lucy Tulloch
• Newcomer of the Year: New Paint by Greg White

A selection of these images will feature in NHS-UK’s 2026 calendar – a wonderful way for the public to support the sector and enjoy its beauty year-round.

Recognising volunteers, conservation excellence and flagship vessels

Alongside the photography winners, NHS-UK announced recipients across its wider awards programme:

• The Marsh Volunteer Awards honoured the vital contribution of individuals and groups who give their time to maintain and celebrate historic vessels. This year’s winners included the Norfolk Wherry Trust, John Aitken, Richard Brown, and Shirley Cochrane, with Ambler’s Friends receiving a Highly Commended award.
• The Excellence in Maritime Conservation Award – created in memory of former NHS-UK Director Martyn Heighton – went to Raybel Charters for their exemplary conservation of the 1920 Thames barge Raybel.

The Flagships of the Year celebrated four operational vessels showcasing best practice in public engagement: Barnabas, Sir Walter Scott, Llanthony and Dane.

Proud to champion heritage through digital

We’re incredibly proud to support National Historic Ships UK, an organisation whose commitment to storytelling, preservation and public engagement aligns perfectly with our values as a B Corp digital agency. Through our long-term partnership – including the ongoing evolution of their website – we’ve seen first-hand how their work connects communities with history, craft and place.

Congratulations to all this year’s winners. Your passion and dedication ensure that maritime heritage continues to inspire future generations – and we’re honoured to play a small part in celebrating it.

To find out how we can amplify your mission, please drop us a line.