HMS Richmond Helps In Odd Transatlantic Challenge

HMS Richmond has been at the heart of a three-day naval gathering in Brittany involving ships from Britain, Germany, Brazil, Ireland, the USA as well as the French hosts. The Cunard liner Queen Mary and a fleet of the world's fastest ocean going trimarans helped make it a memorable occasion. 

The event marked the centenary of the United States entering the First World War and the arrival of more than 800,000 American soldiers through the port of Brest in 1917 and 1918. Their involvement would help tip the balance in favour of the Allies in battlefields of northern France. 

The frigate was also tasked to escort the Cunard liner RMS Queen Mary II across the channel before it set off on an unusual challenge. It was racing against a fleet of the world's fastest ocean-racing catamarans across the Atlantic. The ship may carry 4000 passengers and a 150 thousand tonne handicap, but it does have the advantage of 34 thousand marine horsepower to help it slice through the water at up to 30 knots.

After the ceremonial duties in Brest, HMS Richmond sailed with the German Frigate Lübeck for a joint anti-submarine exercise before returning to UK waters to conduct security patrols in the Western Approaches and weapons trials off the South Coast.