Tea Clipper Ships

Tea clipper ships were streamlined sailing vessels developed in the 19th century for rapid transport of tea from China to Europe. Designed for speed, they featured tall masts, large sails, and sleek hulls to minimize travel time across the ocean. Their swift delivery allowed merchants to offer fresh tea and gain a competitive edge in the market. Clippers also carried other goods like spices and silk. Although their popularity declined with the advent of steam-powered ships, they remain iconic symbols of maritime engineering and the bustling trade routes of the Victorian era.