Volume One - Into the Victorian Age - The Penarth Shipbuilding & Ship Repairing Company Limited . . .

1887 - s.s. 'Albatross' 

The Weekly Mail of May 1887 reported another launch:

"Launch of a Steamer at Penarth - On Monday afternoon a new steamboat was launched from the yard of the Penarth Ship-building Company being the fourth vessel launched from this yard. The vessel, which is one of the finest of her class afloat, has an overall length of 147ft., a breadth of 23ft., and a moulded depth of 11ft. 9in. Her quarter-deck is raised.

Immediately under this are the engines, which are inverted surface condensing, with cylinders 17½in. and 34in. by 24in. stroke, these being, of course, fitted close to the boiler, which is of adequate capacity and strength, and which supplies the motive power for two steam winches and an improved frictional windlass for working the anchors. The officers' quarters are also under the quarter-deck. The bridge-house amidships has been furnished with a view to serve the purpose of captain's cabin, and the forecastle has been retained for the accommodation of the crew. The vessel is rigged as a three masted fore-and-aft schooner, her carrying capacity being 400 tons of cargo and 30 tons of bunkers.

Mrs. David Roberts, of Roath, wife of the secretary of the company, performed the christening ceremony, to witness which a large concourse of people had assembled. Gaily coloured bunting fluttered from the rigging of the vessel, and the yard presented quite an animated appearance. Amongst those present, in addition to Mr. and Mrs. David Roberts and party, were:—

Mr. R. Munroe, manager; Mr. J. H. Illingworth. Mr. E. G. Bregeon and the Misses Bregeon, Mr. Ivor J. and Mrs. Roberts. Mr. W. Anning, Mr. J. H. Simpson, M.I.M.E., Mr. Carslake Thompson, Mr. G. J. Beetlestone, M.I.M.E. (representing Mr. T. A. Walker, contractor), Mr. E. Hancock, jun., Captain Elliot, Mr. T. Gibson, Mr. J. Sloggett (Board of Trade surveyor), and Mr. Hindemarch (Lloyd's surveyor). On the arrival of Mrs. David Roberts, the men, who were standing ready, knocked away the shores, and as the vessel, with ever-increasing impetus, glided along the ways, the lady mentioned gracefully dashed a bottle of wine against its side, and an instant after the newly-named 'Albatross' entered the water amidst ringing cheers.