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Race in the Channel between the Atalanta twin-screw steamer and the Dover mail-packet Empress, 1864. Creator: Smyth
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Race in the Channel between the Atalanta twin-screw steamer and the Dover mail-packet Empress, 1864. Creator: Smyth
Race in the Channel between the Atalanta twin-screw steamer and the Dover mail-packet Empress, 1864. 'The Atalanta...has a pair of screw propellers instead of a single one. There are two engines, independent of each other, each being of 100-horse power. The success of the double-screw principle, which has been already partially adopted by the Admiralty, is no longer a matter of doubt...she crossed over from Calais to Dover, so as to steam back...in company with the Empress, which was appointed to leave with the mail from Dover at 9.30. At forty-five minutes past nine the Empress came out and, the Atalanta having been placed in position as nearly as possible abreast of her, the race across commenced. From the time of starting, the result was never for a moment in doubt. The Empress, pitching her bows into the sea as she got clear of the land, was evidently making hard work of it, and fast dropping astern of the Atalanta, which, without throwing a drop of spray over her deck, was making her way in splendid style and improving her position with every fresh puff of wind and roll of the sea...Calais was reached in 77 minutes by the Atalanta, but the Empress took 107 minutes - being half an hour behind the double screw'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864
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EDITORS COMMENTS
A thrilling scene unfolds in this historic photograph, capturing a race between two vessels - the Atalanta twin-screw steamer and the Dover mail-packet Empress - on December 10, 1864. The Atalanta's innovative double screw propellers proved to be the decisive factor as it left its competitor behind, crossing from Calais to Dover in an impressive 77 minutes. In contrast, the Empress struggled against the wind and waves, taking a full half hour longer at 107 minutes.
The photograph was taken by Smyth and published in "Illustrated London News" in 1864. It provides a unique glimpse into maritime technology during this era, showcasing the Atalanta's cutting-edge design that would later be adopted by naval authorities. The image also highlights the importance of speed and efficiency on the high seas, as these vessels competed for dominance.
This historic photograph is not only a testament to human ingenuity but also an evocative representation of life at sea during this period. It invites us to imagine the excitement and drama that unfolded on that fateful day in December 1864.
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