SS Savannah was an American hybrid sailing ship/sidewheel steamer built in 1818. She arrived in Liverpool on this date in 1819, making her the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, albeit mainly under sail. No other American steamship would cross the Atlantic for almost thirty years. In spite of this historic voyage, she was not a commercial success as a steamship, due to the great space taken up by her large engine and its fuel at the expense of cargo and the public's anxiety over embracing her revolutionary steam power. After a severe reversal of the financial fortunes of her owners, she converted back into a sailing ship shortly after returning from Europe. Credit: https://w.wiki/RUc8 Painting: Hunter Wood, 1819, Public Domain https://w.wiki/RUcA I rode from the West Side of Santa Cruz about 10 miles to Aptos Village to join the C ride. The route went up Valencia and Hazel Dell, so I expected it to be relatively hard in places, but we sailed along at a good speed. We may have found out why when we turned west to head back on Freedom, where there was a strong headwind. I didn't notice the headwind climbing through the redwoods, but maybe. A met a few of the riders back at Aptos Village, then rode back 9 miles to the west side, on Soquel and Water, headwinds all the way! But the weather was perfect, I chatted with lots of riders, and it all felt great!