Warrior's recorded trial speed of 14.808 knots fell just short of the intended 15 knots, although she is often listed at 14. She could also make 13 knots under sail, two knots faster than her sister. A reported run at 17.5 knots had a strong tide behind the ship, so it does not establish that speed as her unaided machinery performance. Even the trial figure was fast enough to make the shortfall from her design target relatively untroubling. Her speed and appearance reinforced the public impression of a more capable ship than La Gloire.
Notable Point · 11:01-12:05
Warrior's trial speed, sailing performance, and tidal assistance
The 14.808-knot trial and 13-knot sailing figures explain Warrior's speed reputation, while her reported 17.5-knot run needs its tidal-assistance caveat.