RMS OLYMPIC - 1911
‘the largest steamer in the world’
Olympic is a ship on which volumes could be written. When she first went into service she smashed size records and became world-renown for being a veritable floating palace. Indeed, the next largest ship, Cunard’s Mauretania, was about 100’ shorter and displaced around 15,000 tons less. Olympic provided a standard of luxury never before seen at sea and was the first of what White Star Line planned to be a trio of outstanding vessels. Tragically, this was never to be the case; both of Olympic’s sisters were lost and she would go on to serve a somewhat awkward role in White Star Line’s fleet - a reminder of what could have been.
This drawing depicts Olympic exactly as she appeared on June 21, sailing into New York Harbour for the first time on her maiden voyage.
‘Olympic-Class’ Liner
Length: 882’6”
Beam: 92’9”
Draught: 34’7”
Tonnage: 45,324 GRT
Max Speed: 24 kn
THE DRAWING
Olympic’s graceful bow and name picked out in golden letters.
On June 21 1911, Olympic sailed triumphantly into New York Harbour for the first time. All along her hull, windows were open to take in the sights.
View showing Olympic’s Number 3 funnel; unlike her sister ‘Titanic’, Olympic’s lifeboat gunwales were painted white initially.
Olympic’s B-Deck promenade aft was longer than that of Titanic’s as she did not carry a Café Parisien when first introduced.
Olympic’s Clipper-like counter stern and her broad Poop Deck which served as promenade space for Third Class passengers.
