The torpedo boat destroyer Albatross (length 227 feet, beam 21 feet 3 inches; draught 8 feet 6 inches) built by Messrs. J. I. Thornycroft and Company, Chiswick, for the British Government, underwent a preliminary trial over the Maplin Mile in early April 1899, and a speed of 30.3 knots running against the wind and the tide had been achieved. The weather was wild and squally, and it was a most creditable that the Albatross had attained the speed that she had under such circumstances.