What is a replica?

A replica is a vessel which has been built from scratch as a copy of a vessel.

It should not be confused with a historic vessel undergoing major works which has been ‘reconstructed’ - returned to a known earlier state with the introduction of new material.  In some cases, a historic vessel may be subject to ‘extreme reconstruction’ where the majority of the original material is decayed or missing, resulting in a major rebuild using new materials. 

Different types of replication:

- True Replica

An exact and complete reproduction of the original vessel.

- Hull Replica

An exact replica of the hull of a vessel, but not the rig.

- Operational Replica

An accurate replica which has adaptations to meet modern-day health and safety, MCA and international regulations in order to allow the vessel to operate within carefully defined parameters.

- Hypothesis

A theoretical vessel based on archaeological, historical and technical information which can test theories but which cannot be guaranteed as a faithful recreation.

- Operational Hypothesis

A theoretical vessel based on archaeological, historical and technical information but with adaptations to meet modern-day health and safety, MCA and international regulations in order to allow the vessel to operate within carefully defined parameters.

- Representation

A vessel which draws on known features from the craft it has been designed to represent, but which may or may not take on the appearance of a specific vessel.  The emphasis is on overall impression rather than accuracy.

For more information on replica terminology or to see examples of the different types of replication, you can order a copy of the National Historic Ships’ guidance publication Conserving Historic Vessels.  When registering a vessel for inclusion on the UK Replica List, you will be asked to make an assessment as to which category of replication the vessel falls into, using the above headings.