Immigrated on her to NZ from the Netherlands when I was seven in 1976. It was a massive adventure and I loved every minute of the journey. We went to Crete and I saw Jacques Cousteau's boat moored next to us, we travelled through the Suez canal and stopped in several ports in North Africa before hitting the Indian Ocean and on to Australia. The crew were really cool to us kids and doted on us, we were allowed to explore the entire vessel and I got into every nook and cranny, as well as getting tours of the engine room and bridge. I think it is amazing that she died at sea and didn't go to scrap, it was an honorable end in my view.
Thanks Rob, it was a very similar experience for myself on the 'Fairstar" in 64 thanks to the friendly Italian crew, the Suez was also an eye opener for my young mind, my dad being a scouse said ' I should have bought my bucket and spade' referring to the seaside sand in the UK, and adding the fact he had never seen so much bloody sand in his whole entire life! by the way the Red sea is very blue, I have it on (silent 8mm) movie to prove it. 😃.
@@fiddley8894 Netherlands was at that time happy to have less citizens, I doubt that will ever happen again, so they paid for half the voyage. NZ was looking to grow its population, they wanted skilled trades and my dad was a sparky, so they paid for the other half. We were allowed to chose between sea or air, so a lot of people went by boat as that would normally be too expensive. We got to take a big chest of stuff for every family member which probably saved us a bit of money as well.
There is something kind of poetic about the old ship that was so sick and tired of being neglected and sold that it decided that it had enough of that BS and decided it's fate. The pictures of the wreck itself are also really surreal, the massive ship just laying there on the coast.
The America is one of my favourite classic liners - just the right size, with elegant, sweeping lines. That video of her laid up in Greece in the early 90s goes on to show just how well-preserved her 1930s interiors were even 50 years on. Such a tragedy she ended up wrecked - what were they thinking, attempting to tow her such a distance, unpowered and in such fragile condition, in the dead of winter? Anyone with knowledge of the sea could see that attempting to drag her ailing hulk through those storms was a fool's errand. The interior footage of her from just a few years later, her back broken and her public spaces ravaged by the relentless waves, is heartbreaking. It's a small mercy that she didn't fall prey to the cutting torch on a different beach somewhere, but the fact that she came so tantalisingly close to being saved still stings.
Unfortunately the United States is just a ship, no interiors. The America would have been a better preservation option, unchanged, virtually since built
When he said that Australis was involved in a collision with an Australian aircraft carrier I just knew it had to be Melbourne. Melbourne was good for a few things. Hitting friendly and neutral ships was definitely one of them.
I know ships aren’t (TECHNICALLY) sentient beings, but with all the “torment” this ship went through in her final years, it honestly makes me feel kind of sad for her. A once proud and beautiful flagship, reduced to a rusting hot potato between owners with these lofty aspirations, all the while she’s practically begging to finally be put to rest. In the end, she made it happen herself, Godspeed SS America.
@@krevo6c not really. She spent years unable to do anything, then just gave up off of a shore. I’d rather a ship be able to serve her whole life and be quickly scrapped (preserved would be nice).
The Music, Narration, and editing (especially the audio) are always getting better and better! Thank you for the great content about the History of our seas and the technological marvels that dawned on them. You explain things in a great way and that captures the story, the tech, and at times, brutal facts in a way for all audiences to understand and experience. Thank you kindly Mr. Brady!!!
The Gibbs brothers not only saw success as naval architects, but they later became very successful musical artists, with such hits as "stayin alive", "how deep is your love", and "too much heaven". A truly talented bunch.
The most amazing fact about them is that they were able to turn completely British and write their best hits after they had already died. Amazing staying power !🤣
come on mate! I lived in Brisbane when the boys did their early stuff on the back of a flat bed truck, I am 75 the same age as Barry, and in those days he was (and still is the same age as me! ) therefore in his very early twenties. I assume this was a a bit of sarcasm?
SS America is personally one of my favorite ocean liners. Her modern comfortable interiors, her unique funnels and streamline interior (for the time) makes it one of my favorites. Her history is fascinating and also her service following her Chandris career with Venture cruises. Even her shipwreck is probably one of the most unique shipwrecks that lasted until the late 90s/2000s.
Recently found out my grandparents came over from the UK on the Australis so it's kind of depressing knowing a pretty significant part of our (and others) family history ended the way it did.
She ended exactly the way we will end too, by dissolving back into the universe after serving our purpose. Your view on death reflects on your emotions of the end of the ship.
Can you even imagine that anyone would think that towing that beautiful ship from Greece all the way to Thailand was going to actually work? They were lucky they were even able to turn around and make it back to Greece. Then they actually thought they might be able to do it started out again but like a beautiful woman who knows what she wants that beautiful and graceful ship refused to be let around on a string. I believe she disconnected herself and then refused to go under. Ending up resting on the beach for everyone to see. All the time screaming hey look I am still here. The story is sad. The story of a beautiful and proud ship that had a not so beautiful and proud ending. Very well done Mike thank you so much sir for a fiitting tribute to a a great ship.
Hi Mike, thank you for another wonderful video. In 1968 I sailed with my parents on the Australis for a cruise from Wellington to Tonga and Fiji. I loved it. Even though the ship was getting old she had class. I have since been on a couple of Royal Caribbean ships and although they are a lot bigger, safer and more comfortable and definitely have a wow factor they somehow miss something special in the design that the Australis had.
SS America has always fascinated me since the beginning. A beautiful designed ocean liner and a so golden career. It's only her end that's so sad since she didn't deserve such fate. But she ran full circle. God bless SS America. Amazingly done video, Mike!!
Mike, absolutely fantastic job and beautiful tribute to this often neglected ship. I love the 3d models, but I have to say part of me misses your older 2d videos and all the rivet-counting glory of your drawings. However, the shots of the old ship wallowing to her death in tow were spectacular. You do good work and thank you for it!
Passenger disappointment in the degree of luxury and aesthetic appeal of her interiors was enough to make the newspapers. She had her champions, like the Duke & Duchess of Windsor. Nonetheless, her 1st class bookings never matched her aging competitors. It wasn't Gibbs' fault; the US Navy demanded compartmentalization akin to their warship specs. She was built to be a troopship as much as a liner, because her exorbitant building costs were covered by the government. She was and remains a technical marvel. I'd never think of her as uncool. @@lucasread1743
SS America, monument to what can be achieved if you let engineers design a product to be durable, safe and good at its job. Rather than accountants designing the cheapest possible thing which might with luck be serviceable!
when I lived on Hailing Island in the UK in 1964 I just loved watching all the great liners of the age pass by, my favorite was the United States, as her funnels were so distinctive, not only the colours but the wings too! As a side note, Saunders Rowe were testing their larger hovercraft along our beaches at the same time. When we landed in Queensland a few months later, I must admit I was a bit depressed, no large ocean liners and no modern airplanes like the Vulcan and the lightning (now that was a plane! ) that I used to see when we lived in Farnborough. However, the step back into history was in itself quite interesting. Houses on stilts, no fridges or modern washing machines etc, but as a teenager I could afford a car!, and all the girls wore bikinis. However, my tec withdrawal system lasted for years, Never saw anything bigger than a tiger moth until I later moved to Brisbane to get ahead. I lived in Hervey Bay all my teenage years, and I did love the lifestyle at the time. ( now it is as modern as anywhere by the way, and do have proper aircraft to take passengers far and wide). Thanks to Paul Hogan and their first Americas cup win, and Steve Irwin of course, Ausi is now well and truly on the worlds map.
I worked at Newport News Shipbuilding for 22 years. When I started, there were still some engineers present who were familiar with both America and United States. One of them told me he considered America the nicer ship. She had an interior that was more pleasant. The interior of United States was sterile in comparison.
I just love the way you're not ony preserving this unique period in history, but bringing it to life. This is probably your best episode. I was riveted from beginning to end.
Well done, Mike! Kudos to you for telling the tale of the SS America and depicting her in her many forms throughout her life. I understand why people feel pity for the America having once been a swift and luxurious vessel in her heyday, but I can't help but marvel at the surreal beauty she possessed beached on Fuerteventura. The photos of her captured my imagination when I was a kid. Seeing her classically-designed figure battered and bifurcated but standing upright as if frozen while sailing forward is an image we'll never see again in human history.
She was soooo close to being saved. The ocean can be oh so cruel. I wonder what state she’d be in had she not been battered to pieces by waves. Would she be rotting in a dock like her sister or would she be a popular attraction for anyone visiting her. We will never know unfortunately.
Great Video! I totally got excited when I saw this, because as a Child and Teenager on our Vacations to Fuerteventura, I had the opportunity to see the Wreck of the the American Star for myself and remember being totally mesmerized by her, even in her wrecked state. I tried to imagine what she would have looked in her greater years and what could had happened to her. We even visited some Bar or Restaurant that got some of the furniture and Decor from her. Needless to say, the American Star or SS America was the Ship, that started my interest in old ships and their story, ultimately leading my way to your Channel decades later.
I had to pause the video halfway through just to once again express my total appreciation for the attention you give the events that shaped the world. Mike, you are quietly becoming one of the greatest maritime historians of all time. I've said this to you before, but it bears repeating. I'm very proud of you for your efforts in this pursuit. You singlehandedly give your generation a boost in respect. Your passion for presenting lives lived and lost with reverence and respect is amongst the greatest I've seen, heard, or even read about. What you do is more valuable to the education of your generation than the majority of today's Western civilization teachers. I am very proud of you and your efforts. I hope this all translates to immense success and satisfaction for you. I don't believe I've ever rooted for a young scholarly individual like yourself this passionately before. I'd tell you to keep up the good work, but I don't believe you have any other choice, nor desire to do anything differently. Well done, lad.
Beautifully done. A great tribute to this wonderful liner. She was by far prettier in and out than her famous superstar running mate. I lay the fault at Chandris. They let her deteriorate instead of investing in upkeep. The same happened to Ellinis. It was only when newer management came they invested in Britanis, Amerikanis and Galileo to keep them in good shape. Her interiors were breathtaking. Art Deco colorful and well appointed. Thank you for another great video. I have chatting you up in Old Cruise ships on FB. Someone posted a pic of JVO. And I plugged your video. I always start out saying: “My friend, Mike Brady…. “ then lay on the praise.
Great as always, my father sailed on her as a troop ship he thought she was great, of course he sailed out on a Dutch cattle boat. Now my great grandfather sailed on her in 1951 to check on his family in Germany, he had been around both capes under sail,his nephews were the chief engineers of Bremen and Europa, his cousin was chief purser on the George Washington he knew his ships and he was enthusiastic about the America he loved to drive down to the narrows and watch her going in and out , thanks
The ability of you and your crew to anthropomorphize a ship to the point that I feel sad for its end is absolutely amazing. Tv can’t touch these kind of documentaries
Thank you for correcting the myths about the SS United States. It was a ego driven folly; a Normandie without the culture, a Queen Mary without the class and a France without the savoir faire . The SS America was a ground breaking, extraordinary ship that deserves a place in Maritime history - a history that contains very few US ships.
I love this video of this somewhat overlooked ship. The ads for the United States Lines in HOLIDAY magazine during the 1950s usually mentioned that while the SS United States was the fastest ship the SS America was appreciated by passengers for more days at sea and a club-like atmosphere. One pronunciation tip: Lurline is pronounced "Lurleen." Matson operates a hybrid container ship with that name now.
I knew absolutely nothing about ships prior to the algorithm suggesting your channel, but watching your videos is such a relaxing way to learn about a very interesting subject
My friend Mike Brady really pulled at my heartstrings with this one. Beautiful video of a beautiful and accomplished ship. So sad how her twilight years panned out
The SS United States is the ship that has stolen everyone’s imagination, thanks for giving the America her due as the amazing and magical ship that she was
I have a nice little collection of SS America artifacts. All framed and mounted. I have a menu a few boarding passes matchbook cover, but the crown jewel of my collection is one of the original cork field life preservers.
Thank you, Mr. Brady. You are a great narrator with excellent content. I like your choice of music and even your attire. Furthermore, your accent adds to the charm. Please keep up the great work. 😊 Jimmy Sherman
Excellent documentary on this ship! I honestly did not think all that much about the America, favoring the SS United States , Queen Mary France & Normandy. But your excellent video gave well deserved credit where it was due. . Very interesting! Thank you
What a history. I am so privileged that I sailed on her in 1973 and 1976. I have nothing but fond memories of her. Very sad ending of a beautiful lady 🤗❤️Thank you for this wonderful Documentary 🇦🇺🏴🇬🇧🇦🇺
I was a passenger on the SS America from Hamburg, Germany stopping in England and France and ending in New York at the age of 17 years...On the voyage, I hooked up with a French lady twice my age and it certainly made the voyage memorable...cheers🍷🇨🇦
I sailed on the SS America in February 1953 when I and my mom were going to France to join my father who was stationed there with the USAF. I was 3 and a half years old so I don't directly remember it but there was a photo of myself and mom at a dining table. My next transatlantic sea voyage was on the Queen Elizabeth 2 30 years later in June 1983.
I sailed on America as a child in the 1950s. We also sailed the United States. I don’t remember unfortunately but my parent’s preferred the America. Love this video, thanks!
I thought you pronounced "Australis" beautifully! When I was a kid in Chicagoland one of my neighbors, Mr. Vossos (a former crewman) shared many memories with us. Funny ones about passengers he liked, respectful ones for the ship herself, and darkly humored ones about having to learn plumbing, wiring, and general mechanics.
I crossed the Atlantic with my mother on the SS America when I was one year old in 1955. A photograph of me in my stroller in front of a life ring with the ships's name is a reminder. Such a sad ending for a wonderful ocean liner. In the following years I crossed the Atlantic a few more times but I only recall my last crossing on the USNS Buckner in 1965.
My family immigrated on her as the Australis when I was just a baby, it's so cool to be a part of history like that. Thanks Mike, another excellent and well researched video, thanks mate.
@@OceanlinerDesigns She remembers it quite fondly! She left New York at midnight due to a strike the tugs we’re having and she spent ten days on it stopping in Cobh, Le Havre, Southampton and then finally Bremerhaven.
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to my favorite ship of all time. Her beauty and her story of perseverance have been a deep inspiration. Her ending can be seen as both tragic and poetic. Around Fuerteventura Island there are many shops and cafes that are decorated with items from the ship, and I hope to travel there some day to see some of it, that is my only chance to see any part of this great vessel in person.
I thought she looked tragically beautiful when I seen her lying off that beach off the coast of Fuerteventura. Her stern had already been lost by then but the rest was standing upright still and as the waves crashed across her bow, it was easy to imagine her proudly navigating the seas. I didn’t realise she played her part in WW2. It’s a pity she was not preserved.
This ship had quite a history. But although I’m glad the ship wasn’t scrapped. It’s sad to hear that the name had been changed from SS America to SS Australis on November 15th, 1964 which happens to be the very day I was born.
If you enjoyed that awesome blues riff at 1:18 give the video a thumbs-up. 😎
Song is: Jailhouse Blues by Peter Crosby per Epidemic Sound
❤
No it is the ss United States slipped in Philadelphia
I ADORE when they go out on their own terms.
Mmm, I give all your videos a thumbs up. But yeah, I enjoyed the riffs:)
Bright Sun Films also made a video about this.
The S.S. America’s career is wild.
From 1941 to 2013, it had experienced things that other ships couldn’t even dream of.
R.I.P. S.S. America 🇺🇸
She's seen things 😮 she has been there man and seen 😮 ,I'm getting ptsd its all flooding back 😅 we seen things man 😮
Immigrated on her to NZ from the Netherlands when I was seven in 1976. It was a massive adventure and I loved every minute of the journey. We went to Crete and I saw Jacques Cousteau's boat moored next to us, we travelled through the Suez canal and stopped in several ports in North Africa before hitting the Indian Ocean and on to Australia. The crew were really cool to us kids and doted on us, we were allowed to explore the entire vessel and I got into every nook and cranny, as well as getting tours of the engine room and bridge. I think it is amazing that she died at sea and didn't go to scrap, it was an honorable end in my view.
I wonder if this is around the time Jacques Cousteau found the Brittanic wreck which was in Greece.
What a great story. Thx
Thanks Rob, it was a very similar experience for myself on the 'Fairstar" in 64 thanks to the friendly Italian crew, the Suez was also an eye opener for my young mind, my dad being a scouse said ' I should have bought my bucket and spade' referring to the seaside sand in the UK, and adding the fact he had never seen so much bloody sand in his whole entire life! by the way the Red sea is very blue, I have it on (silent 8mm) movie to prove it. 😃.
why did a lot of the dutch come to nz do u think?
@@fiddley8894 Netherlands was at that time happy to have less citizens, I doubt that will ever happen again, so they paid for half the voyage. NZ was looking to grow its population, they wanted skilled trades and my dad was a sparky, so they paid for the other half. We were allowed to chose between sea or air, so a lot of people went by boat as that would normally be too expensive. We got to take a big chest of stuff for every family member which probably saved us a bit of money as well.
There is something kind of poetic about the old ship that was so sick and tired of being neglected and sold that it decided that it had enough of that BS and decided it's fate. The pictures of the wreck itself are also really surreal, the massive ship just laying there on the coast.
The America is one of my favourite classic liners - just the right size, with elegant, sweeping lines. That video of her laid up in Greece in the early 90s goes on to show just how well-preserved her 1930s interiors were even 50 years on. Such a tragedy she ended up wrecked - what were they thinking, attempting to tow her such a distance, unpowered and in such fragile condition, in the dead of winter? Anyone with knowledge of the sea could see that attempting to drag her ailing hulk through those storms was a fool's errand. The interior footage of her from just a few years later, her back broken and her public spaces ravaged by the relentless waves, is heartbreaking. It's a small mercy that she didn't fall prey to the cutting torch on a different beach somewhere, but the fact that she came so tantalisingly close to being saved still stings.
Totally agree,the tow was very badly planned or was it never mean't to get to Thailand.....
We still have her sister ship, albeit in a poor state…
Unfortunately the United States is just a ship, no interiors. The America would have been a better preservation option, unchanged, virtually since built
When he said that Australis was involved in a collision with an Australian aircraft carrier I just knew it had to be Melbourne. Melbourne was good for a few things. Hitting friendly and neutral ships was definitely one of them.
That she was
I have to wonder how many captains and senior officers she went through.
And here's the thing...in all cases it wasn't the Melbourne's fault.
I know ships aren’t (TECHNICALLY) sentient beings, but with all the “torment” this ship went through in her final years, it honestly makes me feel kind of sad for her. A once proud and beautiful flagship, reduced to a rusting hot potato between owners with these lofty aspirations, all the while she’s practically begging to finally be put to rest. In the end, she made it happen herself, Godspeed SS America.
But i think it's still better to go out slowly like this than getting cut up and scrapped.
@@krevo6c not really. She spent years unable to do anything, then just gave up off of a shore. I’d rather a ship be able to serve her whole life and be quickly scrapped (preserved would be nice).
@@lemagicbaguette1917preserved as a floating hotel maybe?
@@robgraham9234 either that or a museum ship.
I mean those images at the later end of its career i got the vibes of this ship is saying kill me.
The Music, Narration, and editing (especially the audio) are always getting better and better! Thank you for the great content about the History of our seas and the technological marvels that dawned on them. You explain things in a great way and that captures the story, the tech, and at times, brutal facts in a way for all audiences to understand and experience. Thank you kindly Mr. Brady!!!
The Gibbs brothers not only saw success as naval architects, but they later became very successful musical artists, with such hits as "stayin alive", "how deep is your love", and "too much heaven". A truly talented bunch.
I believe that, millions wouldn't but I do
The most amazing fact about them is that they were able to turn completely British and write their best hits after they had already died. Amazing staying power !🤣
@@marcasso006that is the power of yacht rock!
come on mate! I lived in Brisbane when the boys did their early stuff on the back of a flat bed truck, I am 75 the same age as Barry, and in those days he was (and still is the same age as me! ) therefore in his very early twenties. I assume this was a a bit of sarcasm?
OMG , talk about some talented guys that lived truly remarkable & full lives !
SS America is personally one of my favorite ocean liners. Her modern comfortable interiors, her unique funnels and streamline interior (for the time) makes it one of my favorites. Her history is fascinating and also her service following her Chandris career with Venture cruises. Even her shipwreck is probably one of the most unique shipwrecks that lasted until the late 90s/2000s.
Recently found out my grandparents came over from the UK on the Australis so it's kind of depressing knowing a pretty significant part of our (and others) family history ended the way it did.
Don't be sad, she is/was in your parents memories. Life is always constant change, so cherish the memories, they are true.
She ended exactly the way we will end too, by dissolving back into the universe after serving our purpose. Your view on death reflects on your emotions of the end of the ship.
Can you even imagine that anyone would think that towing that beautiful ship from Greece all the way to Thailand was going to actually work? They were lucky they were even able to turn around and make it back to Greece.
Then they actually thought they might be able to do it started out again but like a beautiful woman who knows what she wants that beautiful and graceful ship refused to be let around on a string. I believe she disconnected herself and then refused to go under. Ending up resting on the beach for everyone to see. All the time screaming hey look I am still here.
The story is sad. The story of a beautiful and proud ship that had a not so beautiful and proud ending.
Very well done Mike thank you so much sir for a fiitting tribute to a a great ship.
Nearly 100% of ships "being towed to their final destination" sink while being towed to their final destination.
Hi Mike, thank you for another wonderful video. In 1968 I sailed with my parents on the Australis for a cruise from Wellington to Tonga and Fiji. I loved it. Even though the ship was getting old she had class. I have since been on a couple of Royal Caribbean ships and although they are a lot bigger, safer and more comfortable and definitely have a wow factor they somehow miss something special in the design that the Australis had.
SS America has always fascinated me since the beginning. A beautiful designed ocean liner and a so golden career. It's only her end that's so sad since she didn't deserve such fate. But she ran full circle. God bless SS America. Amazingly done video, Mike!!
My father went to New York on her in May 1960. Still have the menu.
He returned on a Super constellation, this was pivot time in transatlantic travel.
sailed on the AMERICA in late august of 1964 from Southhampton to NYC. celebrated my 17th birthday on board. great memories! JDR
Mike, absolutely fantastic job and beautiful tribute to this often neglected ship. I love the 3d models, but I have to say part of me misses your older 2d videos and all the rivet-counting glory of your drawings. However, the shots of the old ship wallowing to her death in tow were spectacular. You do good work and thank you for it!
Ah yes it was fun doing the semi-3D animations. I call them 2.5D haha!
She was such a beautiful one-off. Gibbs' passion is evident, without the severe compartmentalization required by the Navy for SS United States.
Well all those safety features are actually kind of what makes SS United States even cooler in my opinion
Passenger disappointment in the degree of luxury and aesthetic appeal of her interiors was enough to make the newspapers. She had her champions, like the Duke & Duchess of Windsor. Nonetheless, her 1st class bookings never matched her aging competitors. It wasn't Gibbs' fault; the US Navy demanded compartmentalization akin to their warship specs. She was built to be a troopship as much as a liner, because her exorbitant building costs were covered by the government. She was and remains a technical marvel. I'd never think of her as uncool. @@lucasread1743
I found a menu to the America in the attic of my 1960 house when I was renovating it in 2010! Framed it and still have it!
I would love to have it if you would be interested in selling? I sailed on her in 1974 to NZ
SS America, monument to what can be achieved if you let engineers design a product to be durable, safe and good at its job.
Rather than accountants designing the cheapest possible thing which might with luck be serviceable!
The S.S. United States is docked just a couple miles from my home. A beautiful ship that still has potential.
when I lived on Hailing Island in the UK in 1964 I just loved watching all the great liners of the age pass by, my favorite was the United States, as her funnels were so distinctive, not only the colours but the wings too! As a side note, Saunders Rowe were testing their larger hovercraft along our beaches at the same time. When we landed in Queensland a few months later, I must admit I was a bit depressed, no large ocean liners and no modern airplanes like the Vulcan and the lightning (now that was a plane! ) that I used to see when we lived in Farnborough. However, the step back into history was in itself quite interesting. Houses on stilts, no fridges or modern washing machines etc, but as a teenager I could afford a car!, and all the girls wore bikinis. However, my tec withdrawal system lasted for years, Never saw anything bigger than a tiger moth until I later moved to Brisbane to get ahead. I lived in Hervey Bay all my teenage years, and I did love the lifestyle at the time. ( now it is as modern as anywhere by the way, and do have proper aircraft to take passengers far and wide). Thanks to Paul Hogan and their first Americas cup win, and Steve Irwin of course, Ausi is now well and truly on the worlds map.
Do you know the documentation by Bright Sun Films including a walkaround on the ship?
I worked at Newport News Shipbuilding for 22 years. When I started, there were still some engineers present who were familiar with both America and United States. One of them told me he considered America the nicer ship. She had an interior that was more pleasant. The interior of United States was sterile in comparison.
Really enjoyed this story and your research is first class. Great old ship, always protected everyone who sailed on her.
I just love the way you're not ony preserving this unique period in history, but bringing it to life. This is probably your best episode. I was riveted from beginning to end.
Well done, Mike! Kudos to you for telling the tale of the SS America and depicting her in her many forms throughout her life.
I understand why people feel pity for the America having once been a swift and luxurious vessel in her heyday, but I can't help but marvel at the surreal beauty she possessed beached on Fuerteventura. The photos of her captured my imagination when I was a kid. Seeing her classically-designed figure battered and bifurcated but standing upright as if frozen while sailing forward is an image we'll never see again in human history.
She was soooo close to being saved. The ocean can be oh so cruel. I wonder what state she’d be in had she not been battered to pieces by waves. Would she be rotting in a dock like her sister or would she be a popular attraction for anyone visiting her. We will never know unfortunately.
I mean, if she didn't break free from her tug lines, the plan was to scrap her.
@@jedimasterpickle3 no it wasn’t. Did you watch the video mate?
@@Da_SpongeGun Ah yeah my mistake. Must not have been paying enough attention
Ye!! The ss America such a beautiful ship I wish it was preserved
What a long and diverse career this ship had.
Great Video! I totally got excited when I saw this, because as a Child and Teenager on our Vacations to Fuerteventura, I had the opportunity to see the Wreck of the the American Star for myself and remember being totally mesmerized by her, even in her wrecked state. I tried to imagine what she would have looked in her greater years and what could had happened to her. We even visited some Bar or Restaurant that got some of the furniture and Decor from her. Needless to say, the American Star or SS America was the Ship, that started my interest in old ships and their story, ultimately leading my way to your Channel decades later.
I had to pause the video halfway through just to once again express my total appreciation for the attention you give the events that shaped the world. Mike, you are quietly becoming one of the greatest maritime historians of all time. I've said this to you before, but it bears repeating. I'm very proud of you for your efforts in this pursuit. You singlehandedly give your generation a boost in respect. Your passion for presenting lives lived and lost with reverence and respect is amongst the greatest I've seen, heard, or even read about. What you do is more valuable to the education of your generation than the majority of today's Western civilization teachers. I am very proud of you and your efforts. I hope this all translates to immense success and satisfaction for you. I don't believe I've ever rooted for a young scholarly individual like yourself this passionately before. I'd tell you to keep up the good work, but I don't believe you have any other choice, nor desire to do anything differently.
Well done, lad.
Beautifully said!
Thanks for doing this episode so well, I sailed on her to NZ in 1974 and still have fond memories
Beautifully done. A great tribute to this wonderful liner. She was by far prettier in and out than her famous superstar running mate. I lay the fault at Chandris. They let her deteriorate instead of investing in upkeep. The same happened to Ellinis. It was only when newer management came they invested in Britanis, Amerikanis and Galileo to keep them in good shape. Her interiors were breathtaking. Art Deco colorful and well appointed. Thank you for another great video. I have chatting you up in Old Cruise ships on FB. Someone posted a pic of JVO. And I plugged your video. I always start out saying: “My friend, Mike Brady…. “ then lay on the praise.
She was wonderful, I loved every minute aboard her! Traveling on her was traveling on a real lady of the seas, a proper ship!❤
i used to see her at Station Pier. the white and blue really suited her. she was gorgeous.
I can already tell this is going to be a treat
Great as always, my father sailed on her as a troop ship he thought she was great, of course he sailed out on a Dutch cattle boat. Now my great grandfather sailed on her in 1951 to check on his family in Germany, he had been around both capes under sail,his nephews were the chief engineers of Bremen and Europa, his cousin was chief purser on the George Washington he knew his ships and he was enthusiastic about the America he loved to drive down to the narrows and watch her going in and out , thanks
Have been watching ur vids since 40k subs. It’s been amazing watching this channel grow ❤🎉
Great story and well-told Mike! There's nothing like a good sea story! Thanks so much!
My father and grandmother immigrated to the U.S. from Germany on the America, I believe in 1952. Nice video. Thank you for this interesting history!
The ability of you and your crew to anthropomorphize a ship to the point that I feel sad for its end is absolutely amazing. Tv can’t touch these kind of documentaries
Mr Brady, that was wonderful. One of your best. I'm glad I'm back and I look forward to more videos like this.
Thank-you to our friend Mike, I'm soothed enough to sleep now, by your dulcet tones.🎶
Thank you for correcting the myths about the SS United States. It was a ego driven folly; a Normandie without the culture, a Queen Mary without the class and a France without the savoir faire . The SS America was a ground breaking, extraordinary ship that deserves a place in Maritime history - a history that contains very few US ships.
I love this video of this somewhat overlooked ship. The ads for the United States Lines in HOLIDAY magazine during the 1950s usually mentioned that while the SS United States was the fastest ship the SS America was appreciated by passengers for more days at sea and a club-like atmosphere. One pronunciation tip: Lurline is pronounced "Lurleen." Matson operates a hybrid container ship with that name now.
America was a WAY more cozy ship.
I'd love to back in time and sail on her...
As usual, a superb presentation - many, many thanks !
I knew absolutely nothing about ships prior to the algorithm suggesting your channel, but watching your videos is such a relaxing way to learn about a very interesting subject
My friend Mike Brady really pulled at my heartstrings with this one. Beautiful video of a beautiful and accomplished ship. So sad how her twilight years panned out
The SS United States is the ship that has stolen everyone’s imagination, thanks for giving the America her due as the amazing and magical ship that she was
I can't compliment you enough on your work. Thank you!
I sailed 4 times on the SS France... that was an extraordinary liner.
I have a nice little collection of SS America artifacts. All framed and mounted. I have a menu a few boarding passes matchbook cover, but the crown jewel of my collection is one of the original cork field life preservers.
Thank you, Mr. Brady. You are a great narrator with excellent content. I like your choice of music and even your attire. Furthermore, your accent adds to the charm. Please keep up the great work. 😊 Jimmy Sherman
SS America is my favorite ship
She's also my favourite! Glad it's not just me...
She's one of the most good looking vessels i've ever seen , but it has a sad end.@@danielkarmy4893
My family and I came to the United States in 1956 when I was ten on this beautiful ship.
Excellent documentary on this ship! I honestly did not think all that much about the America, favoring the SS United States , Queen Mary France & Normandy. But your excellent video gave well deserved credit where it was due. . Very interesting!
Thank you
Excellent video as always!
Best youtuber thank you ocean liner designs ❤
Great documentary, must admit l previously didn't know much about it. She sure had a long life!
this ship truly never leaves the heart of America, this ship may have had a rough voyage but she is one tough ship!
What a history. I am so privileged that I sailed on her in 1973 and 1976. I have nothing but fond memories of her. Very sad ending of a beautiful lady 🤗❤️Thank you for this wonderful Documentary 🇦🇺🏴🇬🇧🇦🇺
I was a passenger on the SS America from Hamburg, Germany stopping in England and France and ending in New York at the age of 17 years...On the voyage, I hooked up with a French lady twice my age and it certainly made the voyage memorable...cheers🍷🇨🇦
I sailed on the SS America in February 1953 when I and my mom were going to France to join my father who was stationed there with the USAF. I was 3 and a half years old so I don't directly remember it but there was a photo of myself and mom at a dining table. My next transatlantic sea voyage was on the Queen Elizabeth 2 30 years later in June 1983.
I sailed on America as a child in the 1950s. We also sailed the United States. I don’t remember unfortunately but my parent’s preferred the America. Love this video, thanks!
I thought you pronounced "Australis" beautifully!
When I was a kid in Chicagoland one of my neighbors, Mr. Vossos (a former crewman) shared many memories with us.
Funny ones about passengers he liked, respectful ones for the ship herself, and darkly humored ones about having to learn plumbing, wiring, and general mechanics.
Haha brilliant!
A most excellent telling of an epic story!
Is there an obvious reason why they didn't shortcut her final journey from Greece through the Suez?
Dude, i know youre from the UK and im an american boy, but i ABSOLUTELY LOVE the classy songs you pick to start your videos!
He's Australian
I crossed the Atlantic with my mother on the SS America when I was one year old in 1955. A photograph of me in my stroller in front of a life ring with the ships's name is a reminder. Such a sad ending for a wonderful ocean liner. In the following years I crossed the Atlantic a few more times but I only recall my last crossing on the USNS Buckner in 1965.
Many thanks for a beautifully narrated story!
I’ve always been fascinated by the chequered history of the America and you’ve really done it justice!
My family immigrated on her as the Australis when I was just a baby, it's so cool to be a part of history like that. Thanks Mike, another excellent and well researched video, thanks mate.
Thanks once again Mike for narrating such a wild story of the SS America.
I love vids like this. Filling in the gaps in knowledge, keep it up bud 👍
Never before and never never again, we will never be able to create an equal to this ship! She is the one and only.
I think a cruise on the grand old America would be the historical cruise I'd like most.
I love this era 😁
My best friend/surrogate brother’s grandmother actually sailed on America in 1956
That's awesome! Must have been a fun ship to sail on I think, the interiors look very nice and comfortable!
@@OceanlinerDesigns She remembers it quite fondly! She left New York at midnight due to a strike the tugs we’re having and she spent ten days on it stopping in Cobh, Le Havre, Southampton and then finally Bremerhaven.
What a fascinating story. Thank you.
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to my favorite ship of all time. Her beauty and her story of perseverance have been a deep inspiration. Her ending can be seen as both tragic and poetic. Around Fuerteventura Island there are many shops and cafes that are decorated with items from the ship, and I hope to travel there some day to see some of it, that is my only chance to see any part of this great vessel in person.
I was looking for an O.L.D. yesterday. Glad to see it this morning. Fantastic as always. Thank you.
Sailed on her from Cobh to NYC in August, 1964. I was 5 and retain several vivid memories.
It's crazy seeing such high prdoduction value content about this ship
I thought she looked tragically beautiful when I seen her lying off that beach off the coast of Fuerteventura. Her stern had already been lost by then but the rest was standing upright still and as the waves crashed across her bow, it was easy to imagine her proudly navigating the seas. I didn’t realise she played her part in WW2. It’s a pity she was not preserved.
I dived the back end when the bow was still on the beach when i was told not to. Good fun.
Another great presentation Mike. Thanks mate 👍
Fantastic video 😎👍👍
Thank you for this excellent historical record. very well-done.
Great story and enlightening history lesson. Sad but seemingly appropriate ending.
Thank you for another well made and enjoyable educational adventure in maritime history.
This ship had quite a history. But although I’m glad the ship wasn’t scrapped. It’s sad to hear that the name had been changed from SS America to SS Australis on November 15th, 1964 which happens to be the very day I was born.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS❤
I have never even heard of this ship until today but this is going to be interesting
Always perfect 🙏💯
This video is now one of my favorites of yours. Superbly well done. Absolutely fascinating
Great video Mike! Keep up the great work!
Best one ever - the supporting videos and photos really made for a great story.
At the end she was like... I AM DONE.... Awesome story.
An incredible story, and so beautifully told. Thank you, Mike!!
She looked so much like the Bremen, and also had the same problem - Bremen also had to have her funnels raised for the same reason.
Great video and great job on this video
You are a congenial & knowledgeable host!😊
I just saw her last USA flag at the Queenstown experience at Cobh just last week