The Great Tea Race of 1866

The Great Tea Race of 1866 was a famous maritime competition between British ships, primarily the Cutty Sark and the Thermopylae, aiming to be the first to deliver a cargo of fine Chinese tea from China to London. Fast shipping was crucial for profit because fresh tea fetched higher prices. The race showcased the importance of speed and advanced sailing techniques in commercial trade. The Cutty Sark, a clipper ship, ultimately arrived first, setting a record that highlighted the era’s emphasis on swift, efficient maritime transport before the advent of steam-powered vessels.