American Tea Clippers

American Tea Clippers were fast sailing ships built in the 19th century to transport tea from China to the United States. Designed for speed, they minimized the time to deliver fresh, high-quality tea, giving American merchants a competitive edge. These vessels featured sleek, narrow hulls, tall masts, and large sail areas, allowing them to cut through the water quickly. Their rapid voyages helped meet American demand for imported tea while reducing spoilage. Though less famous than British counterparts, American Tea Clippers played a significant role in global maritime trade during the era.