American Clippers in England

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


The American clipper ship “Sovereign of the Seas,” built by Donald McKay, and commanded by his brother, made the passage from this City, which she left on the 18th of June last, to Liverpool, in 14 days and 19 hours, having arrived there on the 2nd of July, the fastest passage on record, between New York and Liverpool. Her average time ot running was 12.73 knots per hour. A correspondent in the " London Daily News," asserts, thatthis time was beaten 12 years ago by the British Frigate "Resistance" in a voyage from Quebec to Cork, which she made in 124 days. He does not present data, but we have no doubt, if the "Resistance" and "Sovereign of the Seas," were placed alongside of one another for a race, in a sailing breeze, the latter would run her out of sight in a few hours. This Clipper Ship has created quite a sensation in Liverpool, and in all probability, Mr. McKay will sell her for a good round sum, to some of the Liverpool China Companies. Capt. E. Nye, of the steamship " Pacific," in a letter to the " New Yoik Herald," says that he made the passage from New York to Liverpool in 14 days 5 hours, in the packet ship " Independence," of only 733 tons, built by Messrs. Smith & Dimon, of this city.

Scientific American Magazine Vol 8 Issue 46This article was published with the title “American Clippers in England” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 8 No. 46 (), p. 368
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican07301853-368d

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe