Clipper Ships—American and English

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 Niagara Mail says, " two British ships, the Crysolite and Stornaway, have sailed a race from Canton with three American vessels, the Racehorse, Surprise, and 1 Challenge and the result is that both British ships have got homejirst, the American not having yet arrived," and adds, "and perhaps the Scientific American, who is an amateur in this sort of thing, will tell us the difference here between losing a race and being beat." We can, for we know all about it ; the Chrysolite and Stornaway, (both Aberdeen built clippers,) left Canton 11 days before the American ships. We never like tit make reckless statements; with an intention to mislead. Whenever it is shown that a British clipper ship has beat an American one in a fair race day for daywe will give the winning ship full credit for the same, and not feel the least chap-fallen. The Mail will now no doubt perhaps be kind enough to tell us since we have answered its question, why is it that none of the British skippers or ship builders have yet taken up the Boston challenge of 10,000 for a race from London to Canton and back between two ships, American and British of 1,200 tons burden each. If the British ships are swifter sailers, why do they fear to take up the challenge. There is more money in London than Boston, yet there the Boston challenge still stands unaccepted. Jonathan has thrown down his mailed glove to John, and he has not yet dared to lift it. If the people in Canada have such confidence in the Bitish ships, why do they not take up the challenge?

Scientific American Magazine Vol 8 Issue 13This article was published with the title “Clipper Ships—American and English” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 8 No. 13 (), p. 98
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican12111852-98k

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