Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/03/03
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Thank you, Craig: - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Craig Zeni" <clzeni@mindspring.com> Subject: OT ships was Re: [Leica] Leica Guilt - Cruising > QEII, Normandie, SS United States et > al were designed to get passengers across the Atlantic in comfort to > their destinations as quickly as possible...the United States is the > current (and likely last) holder of the Blue Ribband, the unofficial > trophy for the fastest transatlantic run. The United States did this > in 1952, *averaging* 35.5 knots and making the NY-Southhampton > journey in just under 3 and a half days, besting the old Queen Mary > record by ten hours. And it's said that the vessel was not moving as > fast as it could. S.S. United States was constructed with the help of massive government financing. Design parameters included ability to convert quickly into a troop transport and a speed, classified but reputed to have been above 40 knots, sufficient to enable her to transport troops without necessity of warship escorts. Having served for almost two years as a young watch officer on U.S.S. Intrepid, I know first-hand what it takes to drive a large vessel through the water at above 30 knots. Above 40 knots is quite phenomenal. Incidentally, one knot (as most know, it is a measure of speed, not distance) equals about 1.13 miles per hour; 40 knots translates into a bit above 45 mph. > Seth - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html