Persia was a British passenger liner operated by the Cunard Line that won the Blue Riband in 1856 for the fastest westbound transatlantic voyage.[2] She was the first Atlantic record breaker constructed of iron and was the largest ship in the world at the time of her launch.[2][3][4] However, the inefficiencies of paddle wheel propulsion rendered Persia obsolete and she was taken out of service in 1868 after only twelve years. Attempts to convert Persia to sail were unsuccessful and the former pride of the British merchant marine was scrapped in 1872.[5]
Development and design
As a result of competition from the