The Titanic Prepares to Sail...

My online Titanic Newsletter  stated April 1st, 1912 was the date originally planned for Titanic's much awaited sea trials.  However, due to the high winds around Belfast, which would have made sailing her down the narrow channel of the River Lagan hazardous,  the trials were postponed until April 2nd.   There was still plenty to do inside the vessel so the time was certainly not wasted. 

When Tuesday, April 2nd dawned, the weather was clear enough to undertake the trials and crowds gathered on the banks of the river to witness Titanic's grand passage.  Shortly before 6:00 a.m., the tugs guided the Titanic from her berth into open water.  After a morning of manouvering tests, at 2:00 p.m. the Titanic was set on a straight course out into the Irish Sea.  At about 8:00 p.m. the Titanic departed for Southampton.  After an uneventful 600 mile voyage she took her place in Berth 44 from where she would soon depart on her  maiden voyage.

Titanic countdown... a mere 13 days remaining until her foundering. 

April 2, 1912 R.M.S. Titanic sea trial photo

On April 6, 1912 they began loading cargo onto the ship.  437 casks of tea [800 lbs.] was on the cargo list.

Royal Crown Derby is reissuing the china pattern used in the à la carte Restaurant [which Titanic passengers referred to as the "Ritz"], in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of its sinking.   In the style of Louis XVI, it features a delicate gold encrusted border with printed ornaments of Chaplet and Festoons finished in tints of green.

Royal Crown Derby 1911 Pattern Book

A teacup close-up.  Isn't it beautiful?  It can be yours for  £ 102 or $174.99 U.S.!

[Obtainable in the U.S. at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN or Branson, MO]

The Titanic Store has more affordable replica china from first, second, and third class [but not nearly as pretty].

Harney & Sons Fine Teas  have  a commemorative RMS Titanic Tea Blend to honor the 100th Anniversary of those who perished when the Titanic sank.  It is a tea blend created by John Harney which reflects the quality of tea that was served on the Titanic.

Chinese Keemun was one of the last teas the British still consumed in 1912.  [They had mostly switched to black teas from Assam, India, and Ceylon.]  Also,  Formosa Oolong, which was popularized in both the UK and the US by an enterprising Brit, so this blend would have been recognizable to tea lovers 100 years ago.

A tribute to the tragedy and heroism of "A Night to Remember." 

 A portion of the sales of RMS Titanic Tea will go to The Ocean Conservancy, the dedicated organization committed to preserving one of the earth's most valuable resources, our oceans.

Another commemorative tea, also blended by Harney & Sons, can be purchased at the Molly Brown House.

 Tomorrow's post will be about a special Titanic event.