Five 152-foot torpedo boats built by Herr Schichau of Elbing for the Government of Marshal Peixoto of Rio successfully completed the voyage from Elbing to Perambuco. Each boat was in charge of a German Captain, who took with him a German crew of fifteen men. No mishap occurred throughout the voyage, thereby proving that such vessels could cross the Atlantic without risk, and if needed, be ready for action on arrival. At the same time it was doubtful that the British Navy had even one vessel capable of completing the same voyage in anything but smooth weather.