The triple funnelled Normandie was built for the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique (French Lines) at St. Nazaire. She was 1027 ft long and still rates as the third longest liner in the world. Driven by turbines generating 160,000 hp she won the title with an outward voyage at 29.94 knots, returning at an amazing 30.31 knots.

Normandie kept the Blue Riband until 1936 when the Queen Mary appeared as the new ruler of the north Atlantic, and in August of that year took the title with a crossing at 30.63 knots.

One year later Normandie regained the title with a speed of 31 knots, but lost it again only four months later, this time for good.

She was later taken over to become the American troopship Lafayette, but was destroyed by fire in New York in 1942.

Normandie is not only remembered simply for her speed and record breaking crossings. Her interiors had been created in the new Art Deco style and she was a floating example of a whole new movement in design. On arrival in New York she became a sensation as the Art Deco movement took the US by storm, and thanks to Normandie we now have such wonderful icons as the Chrysler Building.

I am grateful to Rich Blumenthal for allowing me to use his father's painting of Normandie pictured left. Click the picture for a full size version and a link to Lawrence Blumenthal's web site.

Normandie on fire in New York