From Clippers and Sails to Iron and Steam

As early as 1908 an American naval architect named William Francis Gibbs had dreams of 1,000 foot, super fast 30-knot passenger liners. In 1914 Gibbs began to design his premier ship. By 1916 Gibbs had the first model of such a ship water tested in Washington, D.C.

Gibbs' work was the evolution of sound design applications so successfully evident in America's beautiful wooden clippers of the mid and late 1800's. Officially speaking, the SS United States saw her first blue print at naval architects Gibbs & Cox in July 1945, but conceptually the development of her breed began in 1838 with the incredible transatlantic race of two British vessels. The Great Western and Sirius were the first steam hybrids to travel in a race from England to America. The technology and speed race was on. And 114 years later on July 7, 1952 the newest entrant in the field crossed the finish line near Bishop Rock. It was on that day the world crowned the SS United States with the Blue Riband - holder of the Atlantic crossing speed record. Not bad for her maiden voyage. Since then no other equally sized passenger liner has eclipsed her speed, nor is it likely that any ever will.

Upon her arrival in England this American ship was given a hero's welcome at Southampton even though she had just stolen the record from Britain's much loved Queen Mary. There was a bit of fuss in the press when Commodore Harry Manning, senior captain of the United States Lines, told British journalists that, in fact, he had only been "cruising" the United States during the record breaking run. Somewhat stung, the industry Brits labeled him as a Yankee braggart.

In typical fashion, London editors at Punch Magazine wrote: "After the loud and fantastic claims made in advance for the liner United States, it comes as something of a disappointment to find them all true."

But Harry Manning wasn't bragging. The United States in fact, made the winning run at her merchant speed, running at only two-thirds of maximum power. At a comfortable "cruise" the Big U bested the 1938 speed record of the Queen Mary by ten hours and two minutes. Further confirmation of her ability was made when she also established a new eastbound record on her return voyage. Average speed over the 5,850 mile round trip Atlantic crossing: 35.05 knots.

John R. Kane, retired vice president of Newport News Shipbuilding wrote in-part of Gibbs success formula: "It is, in simple terms, to combine the maximum driving power you can achieve with the lightest displacement compatible with the work the ship must do, and with the longest, finest and cleanest lines that will serve to make a good wholesome seakeeping ship."

She proved herself against all challenges of the sea. Her seakindliness, ability to maintain speed in adverse weather and safety features combined in perfect harmony. From dream to reality indeed, America had built the world's fastest, safest luxury liner - The SS United States.

Full Steam Ahead..............Main Index

Pictured Above: The SS United States is ready for maiden departure from Pier 86 in New York on July 3, 1952. This image captured by a then 16-year old John McFarlane with his Kodak Brownie. Midshot: The Big U being moved to begin final outfitting in 1951 -Source: Web/Photographer Unknown