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
Blue Riband writers have included the "Scotia" claim. Gibbs also includes the claimed Blue Riband voyage at of the National Line's "America" of 1884 that was not confirmed by later researchers. Blue Riband The Blue Riband () is an unofficial accolade given to the passenger liner crossing the Atlantic Ocean in regular service with the record highest speed. The term was borrowed from horse racing and was not widely used until after 1910. Traditionally, the record is based on average speed rather than passage time because ships follow different routes. Also, eastbound and westbound speed records are reckoned separately, as the more