What is a clipper?

A clipper is a specialized type of ship designed for fast and efficient sailing. Clippers were commonly used in the mid-19th century to transport goods between Europe, America, and Asia. These ships were known for their speed, slender hulls, and tall masts with multiple sails. Clippers were particularly useful in carrying tea from China to Europe, and many of the famous tea clippers had names like the Cutty Sark, the Thermopylae, and the Flying Cloud. Clippers were eventually replaced by steam-powered ships in the late 1800s, but they remain an iconic symbol of the golden age of sailing. Today, some clippers have been restored for use as cruise ships or tourist attractions, and they continue to capture the imagination of history buffs and sailing enthusiasts around the world.