1880 May 20th the beautiful new iron screw steamer yacht "
Cornelia" built by Palmers Co. for the Marquis of Londonderry had her trial trip to sea. Twelve years ago Messrs. Palmer built and equipped a steam yacht for the noble Marquis and so complete was the satisfaction given by the workmanship in the vessel-also called the "Cornelia" after the Marchioness--that last year when the Marquis resolved upon possessing a second pleasure steamer he again placed the order with Messrs. Palmer & Co. and so complete was his lordships confidence in the resources of the firm that the design and everything connected with the vessel was left entirely with the builders. The "Cornelia" is in length 200 ft breadth 25 ft and depth 13 ft and is rigged as a three masted schooner Her engines are 120 HP nominal and they are highly finished. The vessel was run over the mile at Whitley Bay with a result of 13 knots per hour.
During the afternoon a party of ladies and gentlemen proceeded on board the yacht and the trial run was southwards to the Tees mouth and back to the Tyne. During the trial a first class lunch was served presided over by Mr. J. Price general manager.