Viking name wins prize for Cerys

An eight-year-old Thanet schoolgirl has won a VIP family break and £500 for her school after winning a competition to name a London Array crew transfer vessel.

Cerys Jones, who attends St Peter in Thanet CoE Junior School, chose the name ‘Ellida Array’ for the 17m aluminium catamaran, or Alicat, which is now working at the London Array Offshore Wind Farm.

Cery’s prize included an overnight trip for herself, her parents and her five-year-old sister Lilia to take part in the formal naming of the boat at the Great Yarmouth shipyard where it was built.

Cerys chose the name Ellida Array because the Vikings landed in Thanet, and, in Viking folklore, Ellida is the name of the boat given to the first Viking.  Ellida is also the name of a moth, which takes advantage of the wind when flying.

“We had some fantastic suggestions but Ellida Array stood out,” said Joanne Haddon, Stakeholder and Media Manager for London Array.  “We were very impressed that Cerys had done so much research before choosing the name, and feel that its historical connection is entirely appropriate – and what could be more imaginative than being named after a moth that also harnesses wind power.  We are delighted with the name.”

The boat is operated by Gardline, who teamed up with London Array to offer local youngsters the chance to name their third and final crew vessel for the project.  The winning name was chosen by a panel from London Array and Gardline, with final approval given by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.