RECORD CLAIMED.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 391, 24 March 1937, Page 5

RECORD CLAIMED.

ATLANTIC BLUE RIBAND Success of the Normandie. Press Association —Copyright. Park', March 22. Commander Thorraux, captain of the French liner Normandie, finishing the first voyage from New York after two months’ overhaul and the fitting of four-bladed propellers, sent a. wireless message jo the effect that ho completed .'thi*. pajflWd from Ambrose Li'ght tic Hfsb<s Rock, Scllty Isles, the official cou#se;for lhe Atlantic blue ribkiHi of 2978 miles, In 4 days 6 minutes 23 seconds. The Normandie averaged 30.99 knots, which is claimed as a record, beating the Queen MarV'e time last year, when she covered a shorter ’course of 2708 miles in 3 days 23 hours 57 minutes, averaging 30.63 knots. An official of 1 the. French line emphasises that the record mads in mid-winter. The Normandie in the last two days was driving against strong head winds. The new props]iors were mlade of very light alloy, each weighing three tons lets than the old prope’lora British experts are of the opinion that the Queen Mary can recapture the, blue riband whenever it is desired. The attempt will probably be made during Corotf’ticn’ Week.