THE FASTEST STEAMER IN THE WORLD.

Dunstan Times, Issue 897, 27 June 1879, Page 3

THE FASTEST STEAMER IN THE WORLD.

The trial has just taken place at Long Reach of the first-class torpedo boat recently constructed by Messrs Yarrow and Co., of Poplar, for the Admiralty. Three runs were made with the tide and three against it, in the usual way, with the following results : Runs. Time. Min. Sec. Knots per hour. First ... 2 37 Second ... 3 2—19 78 ( ~ M Third ... 233 - 23.53 j „„ Fourth .. 2 63 Fifth ... 2 30 Sixth ... 2 56 - 20.45 j ~ Mean of means, calculated by the Admiralty method, 21, 93 knots, which is equal to 25j statute miles. The load carried during the trial was C| tons, which represents the weight of torpedoes, gear, coal, &c. The steam pressure was 1241b5, throughout, and during the four first runs the engines were slightly eased, which accounts for the last pair of runs giving the best result. It was found that at speeds of between 17 and 19 knots the vibration of the boat was considerable, but when running over 20 knots it entirely disappeared, so much so, in fact, that it was quite possible to write legibly on the starn immediately over the screw. This craft is of precisely the same dimensions as those already built for the English Government, which on their trials have given speeds varying from 18 to 19 knots ; ami this little steamer, which is only 86 loet long, stands unrivalled as the fastest vessel in the world.