Flying Cloud

The maritime art print ‘Flying Cloud’ by Robert Taylor shows the American Clipper Flying Cloud arirving at Hong Kong in May 1860, 97 days out of London, surrounded by all the exotic hustle and bustle of the Orient. En-route to Foochow, she will load tea for the return voyage. Of all the famous American Clippers Flying Cloud had by far the best record.

 

Her long slim hull, towering masts and sharply raked bows hint of her breathtaking speed that will be vital for delivering her return cargo. For two glorious decades in the mid- nineteenth century, the world’s great sea trading routes were dominated by the magnificent ‘Yankee Clippers’. And none were finer or more famous than the American clipper Flying Cloud, legendary for her world beating speed records, some of which stood for 100 years, and for having a female Navigator - unheard of in 1854!