Olympic-class ocean liner so, the "Olympic"-class ships were built to surpass rival Cunard's largest ships, "Lusitania" and "Mauretania", in size and luxury. "Olympic", along with "Titanic" and the soon to be built "Britannic", were intended to be the largest and most luxurious ships to operate on the North Atlantic, but not the fastest, as the White Star Line had already switched from high speed to size and luxury. The three vessels were designed by Thomas Andrews and Alexander Carlisle. Construction of "Olympic" started in December 1908 and "Titanic" in March 1909. The two ships were built side by side. The construction of "Britannic"
Brig "Mercury" Attacked by Two Turkish Ships between "Mercury" (which was, at the time, commanded by Lieutenant Alexander Kazarsky) and two other brigs against a sizable complement of approximately 14 Turkish ships, who were returning from the shores of Anatolia. Turkish victory was at first foreseeable, but the tides of battle changed, and "Mercury" was able to escape after a final, powerful assault by the three brigs, ending the conflict. After the conflict had ended, one of the navigators of the Turkish ships made a comment commending "Mercury" for her seaworthiness, and the captain for his bravery: Brig "Mercury" Attacked by Two Turkish Ships Brig "Mercury" Attacked