RMS Mauretania (1906) . In September 1909, "Mauretania" captured the Blue Riband for the fastest westbound crossing — a record that was to stand for more than two decades. In December 1911, as in New York City in December 1910, "Mauretania" broke loose from her moorings while in the River Mersey and sustained damage that caused the cancellation of her special speedy Christmas voyage to New York. In a quick change of events Cunard rescheduled "Mauretania"s voyage for "Lusitania", which had just returned from New York, under the command of Captain James Charles. "Lusitania" completed Christmas crossings for "Mauretania", carrying revellers back to
Crossing the Ditch crossing, including strong winds and currents, saw them travel in circles for some time and added almost to their journey. As they approached the New Zealand coastline, the decision was made to head to New Plymouth instead. Cas and Jonesy paddled into New Plymouth harbour on 13 January 2008, landing on Ngamotu Beach at 12:20 pm NZST. The crossing took 60 days, 20 hours and 50 minutes. "Lot 41", along with a collection of associated artifacts, was later donated by the adventurers to the Australian National Maritime Museum. The Tasman Sea has for many years been referred to as "The