The Queen Mary retired from passenger service in 1967. As the world’s best known ocean liner she made more than 1100 crossings to New York; ferried over 800,000 Allied personnel during WWII; became synonymous with Royalty, and epitomised Hollywood celebrity travel. Her impressive red, white and black Cunard livery served as Britain’s maritime engineering calling card to the world. She was the world’s fastest and arguably most beautiful ship. Launched in Scotland’s River Clyde eight decades ago, the Queen Mary continues to attract public attention - over 1.5 million visit the ship each year; more than 50 million have crossed her decks since opening to the public.

Historians, archivists and ship fanciers will join the Queen Mary, January 20 at the New York Yacht Club for a celebration of 80 years of unequalled maritime presence. No ship of her generation or type can rival the Queen Mary’s contributions to ocean travel, economic worth or ongoing social influence.

The evening’s highlight will be news of the planned relocation of the original Bassett-Lowke scale model of the Queen Mary from New York to Long Beach. The impressive 21 feet in length ship model is an exact and elegant 1/45 scale replica of the actual ship.  Crafted from a single 200-year-old white mahogany log by Britain’s most acclaimed model maker, the timeless maritime artefact will be loaned by South Street Seaport Museum.

The model move is scheduled to begin January 21 early morning - 207 Water Street, New York, NY 10038. The removal effort is expected to continue throughout the day.