It can make 30+ knots. It has sleeping accommodations for more than 1000 people. And it can function as your own personal floating airport.
If you've ever fantasized about owning your own aircraft carrier -- or if you're dying to create your own real-life version of Snow Crash -- then you'll be glad to know that just two weeks after it was removed from military service, Britain's Royal Navy has put the HMS Ark Royal, an Invincible-class aircraft carrier, up for sale on the Ministry of Defense auction website.
The Daily Mail reports:
The sale follows that of its sister ship HMS Invincible, which was towed away last week to a scrapyard in Turkey after being sold on the same internet site.
Although the Ark Royal could also be sold for its scrap metal, other proposals for it include a commercial heliport in London as well as a base for special forces to provide security at next year's Olympic Games.
And a move could be made to turn it into a nightclub and school in China.
Bidders have until 10am on June 13 to put their tenders forward for the ship. No minimum price is given.
Happily, even if you can't afford to buy the Ark Royal outright, you can certainly enjoy the thrill and satisfaction of clicking the "Add to Wishlist" button on the MoD's eBay-style auction website:
PHOTO: Maritime Quest
Throw in a few jump jets and I'm in!
Posted by: stare | 29 March 2011 at 11:35 PM