What would it cost to build a large Royal Navy sail training ship, and what should it include?
Short answerSeveral hundred million pounds could buy a modern training and diplomatic ship with substantial accommodation, communications, and efficient power systems.
NotesA large sail training ship comparable to Amerigo Vespucci is estimated to cost hundreds of millions of pounds. Fibreglass is suggested because British yards already build large hulls in that material. A wooden hull is considered attractive and potentially long lasting, but a suitable domestic yard is lacking; steel is possible but heavy for the sailing role. Accommodation would need to support sail training, trade missions, and royal duties. Substantial communications equipment and greener power generation would also be desirable.