Ian McNaught

Captain Sir Ian McNaught, KCVO (born 1954) is a Master Mariner who served as Deputy Master of Trinity House, and was Captain of ships for Cunard and Seabourn including the last Captain of the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2).

Education

He studied at Monkwearmouth Academy in Sunderland.[1]

Career

He started his seagoing career on oil tankers working for BP.[1]

1987–2009: Cunard

Captain McNaught joined Cunard in September 1987[2] as a Second Officer on the QE2. In 1989 he joined the Cunard Princess as First Officer. In 1991 he returned to the QE2 as First Officer until September 1994 when he was promoted to Chief Officer. In 1996 he became Chief Officer on Sea Goddess II and then Staff Captain on board the QE2 in 1999. His first command was in June 2001, when he became master of Sea Goddess I. In April 2003 he took over as the QE2's 21st master. He was in command of the QE2 on its final voyage around the UK, including to the River Tyne where an estimated 50,000 people attended to watch the ship.[3] He remained on board, in command of the QE2 for her subsequent final voyage to Dubai in November 2008 serving as her final Captain.[4][5] He then supervised the handover and transition to her new owners in Dubai.[6]

In March 2009 he took command of MS Queen Victoria until he resigned in 2010 to join Seabourn.

2010–2011: Seabourn

Captain McNaught took command of Seabourn Spirit in February 2010.[7]

2011–2024: Trinity House

Captain McNaught joined Trinity House in September 2011 as Deputy Master.[8]

In 2019, McNaught was reported that it was not an easy decision for Trinity House to have decided to decommission the Royal Sovereign Lighthouse near Eastbourne.[9]

In November 2022, Captain McNaught acted on behalf of the Princess Royal at the 2022 award ceremony for the UK Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.[10]

In February 2024, Captain McNaught retired from Trinity House and was succeeded by Rear Admiral Iain Lower.[11]

Captain Ian McNaught was made a Freeman of the city of London on 5th December 2023. He was elected to the Court of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners on 26th April 2024.

Awards

In 2019, he was appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in the New Year Honours List,[1] and in the 2024 King's Birthday Honours, he was promoted to a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO).[12]

Personal life

He is married to Susan and has one son, Steven.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Sunderland man who served as last captain of QE2 recognised by Queen in New Year Honours List". Sunderland Echo. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  2. ^ We Are Cunard Blog (21 May 2009). "Queen Victoria's Master – Captain Ian McNaught". Cunard. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  3. ^ "When one of the world's most famous ships sailed into the River Tyne 15 years ago". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  4. ^ "Timeline: a look back at the life of the QE2". Ship Technology. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  5. ^ Miller, William (2021). Queen Elizabeth 2. Ship of Legend. Fonthill Media.
  6. ^ Miller, William (2009). Cunard's Three Queens. A Celebration. Amberley Publishing. ISBN 9781445623368.
  7. ^ Honeywell, John (8 January 2010). "QE2's master moves to Seabourn". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 7 June 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  8. ^ Trinity House (17 January 2011). "Captain McNaught appointed as new Deputy Master of Trinity House". Trinity House. Archived from the original on 18 April 2011. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  9. ^ "Eastbourne lighthouse turns off after 50 years of service". Sussex Express. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  10. ^ "Nautilus members honoured at Merchant Navy Medal Ceremony". Nautilus Telegraph. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  11. ^ "Rear Admiral Iain Lower becomes Deputy Master and Chief Executive of Trinity House". Trinity House. 13 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  12. ^ "No. 64423". The London Gazette (Supplement). 15 June 2024. p. B4.