Hurricane Sandy sinks Titanic II

It’s difficult to resist uttering a smug “I told you so,” but it’s beginning to look as if an Australian billionaire’s far-fetched plans to build a replica Titanic could be scuppered before they even reach the slipway.
I am not the only observer to have expressed scepticism about Clive Palmer’s proposals to establish a regular scheduled service between Southampton and New York in a copy of the liner which sank on its maiden voyage 100 years ago.
Doubts were further fuelled this week by the announcement that a lavish dinner in New York to reveal full details of the project has been cancelled “as a mark of respect to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.”
Another black-tie dinner planned for the Natural History Museum in London on December 1 is also off.
Palmer courts controversy with most of his exploits, from mining to resort hotels, and has already said that he would not allow third-class passengers on Titanic II to enter the ship’s casino.
He said his decision to postpone the dinners followed New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s announcement to call off the city’s marathon.
“New York had a close relationship with the original RMS Titanic,” he said, ignoring the fact that the ship was sunk before it ever reached the Big Apple. “We believe it is too early to be holding our launch while the city and the region continue its recovery.”
He said the two events will now take place in late February and an announcement will be made in a few weeks’ time.
If I were a betting man, I might be looking at the odds on February 29 being chosen, since 2013 is not a leap year.