This July, we will honor the 70th anniversary of the SS United States' maiden voyage. When she left New York on July 3, 1952, the Big U was the most graceful, modern, powerful, and sleek vessel in the world. With her two massive red, white, and blue funnels, she projected a powerful and romantic image of maritime travel.
Her captain, Commodore Harry Manning carefully avoided any promises of a record-breaking run, but once clear of any hazards, Commodore Manning ordered the ship’s engines to be increased to full power. The ship’s speed, combined with the gale force winds and heavy seas, created on-deck conditions that kept most passengers inside—or at least in the enclosed promenades.
The New York Times wrote on the occasion of her eastbound crossing: "America's new mistress of the seas came to this French port tonight wearing her laurels like an aristocrat. The liner United States has shattered all records for speed of commercial vessels and is being greeted here as a seagoing engineering achievement whose performance has far surpassed rival shipping, taking to the United States for the first time in a hundred years supremacy along the merchant sea lanes." You can read more about this exciting crossing and watch archival footage by clicking HERE.
To mark the 70th anniversary of the SS United States' record breaking crossing the Conservancy is kicking off its celebration with a special t-shirt contest, open to artists of all ages. Complete details, including rules, submission information and prizes can be found using the link below.
