Why a lottery windfall should preserve historic warships first

If the panel won more than $100 million, what ship would they have custom-built and how much money would remain?

The serious priority is to endow surviving historic ships such as Haida, Vampire, Whimbrel, and Wellington before spending the windfall on a new personal vessel.

The panel first notes that $100 million buys less new warship than the question implies once design, construction, operation, and maintenance are counted. Dr. Clarke would place much of the money in a trust supporting HMCS Haida and probably HMAS Vampire before considering a boat for himself. The discussion also points to HMS Whimbrel, a surviving British-built sloop in Egyptian service, as a possible acquisition and preservation project. HMS Wellington illustrates the other side of the problem: even a preserved vessel with an established organization may receive grants far below what a thorough restoration needs. A motor torpedo boat remains the most plausible personal craft because it is smaller and could still make coastal trips. The answer therefore distinguishes funding an irreplaceable original from commissioning a modern recreation for private enjoyment.