NEW YORK, April 29, 1987 -- Faster than ever before, the legendary superliner Queen Elizabeth 2 set a "personal record" Monday night, clocking in at nearly thirty-five knots -- comparable to forty miles per hour on land.

Already the fastest passenger ship afloat, QE2 surpassed even Cunard's expectations in her final round of sea trials following an unprecedented $130-million, six-month enhancement.

QE2's new speed results from a conversion from steam power to diesel, including installation of a new diesel propulsion plant with the power of a 92 megawatt power station. The conversion was intended to increase the Queen's top speed to 32.5 knots from 28.5 knots. At nearly thirty-five knots, QE2's new speed proves the conversion speed objective an unqualified success.

With successful sea trials behind her, QE2 sailed today on her "new maiden voyage" from Southampton, England to New York. A grand send-off by the Princess of Wales and a spectacular greeting in New York Harbor May 4 mark the historic voyage. QE2's enhancement program will give a second life to the 17-year-old vessel. In addition to the new engines, the vessel's main public rooms have been completely rebuilt or restored with many new passenger amenities being added.

New York's harbor celebration being planned for May 4th rivals that of July 4th, with festivities planned from dawn to dusk. Hundreds of celebrities, socialites and dignitaries, including New York Mayor Edward I. Koch, will visit the superliner in honor of her unprecedented enhancement.

At day's end, hundreds of vessels will escort QE2 from the harbor past the Statue of Liberty. Led by Malcolm Forbes in his famed Highlander, the flotilla includes the World Yacht Cruise Fleet of five ships, a 150-foot steamship replica and 70-plus-foot sailing schooners. An aerial escort, and displays by fireboats and the Coast Guard complete New York's harbor salute May 4.