Transatlantic crossings are passages of passengers and cargo across the Atlantic Ocean between the Americas and

Europe. Prior to the 19th century, transatlantic crossings were undertaken in sailing ships, which was a time consuming and often perilous journey. Transatlantic crossings became faster, safer, and more reliable with the advent of steamships. The Blue Riband is awarded for the record fastest crossing. Grand ocean liners began making regularly scheduled crossings, and soon it became a symbol of national and company status to build the largest, fastest, and most luxurious ocean liner for transatlantic crossings. Transatlantic crossings through water are still slow compared to aircraft crossings, taking anywhere between two weeks and several months to complete. Examples of some famous transatlantic liners are RMS Lusitania, RMS Mauretania , RMS Titanic, SS United States, RMS Queen Mary, SS Normandie, SS France (1961), RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, and RMS Queen Mary 2. The current transatlantic sailing record was set on Sunday August 2, 2009, when the trimaran Banque Populaire V made the crossing from New York to Cornwall, UK in 3 days, 15 hours, 25 minutes, 48 seconds. This was a 9 hour gain over the previous record set in 2007. Guinness Book of World Records has been tracking all vessels making the passage and has awarded world records to luxury liners, sail boats, rowing boats. In 2009 Ralph and Robert Brown succeeded in setting several world records, arriving September 5 in London, after leaving Tampa on June 27. They are the smallest unassisted transatlantic motor boat and the longest "Flats Boat" ocean voyage. Their Dreamboats Intruder 21' has a single Suzuki 115 HP outboard (a 9.9 HP was available in emergencies) is a "flats" boat (4 inch draft, no cabin, no keel) (see external links). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transatlantic_crossing