As trade flourished between different parts of the globe in the 19th century, it was important to have an efficient and speedy means of transport for goods.
The clipper ship was the answer.
These were very fast vessels with numerous large sails.
They did not have the capacity for carrying a large amount of cargo but their speed was their greatest attribute.
The most famous of these ships were built by the British and Americans but they were popular in European countries too.
The British had various colonies, which they wanted to exploit to the full.
Ships sailed on trading routes between Europe and the East.
Cargo was very valuable, especially tea from India, silk from China and spices from various countries.
The Tea Clippers were particularly fast and had elaborate sail systems.
The most famous of these is the Cutty Sark, currently in dry dock in Greenwich, England and a popular tourist destination.
Of the clipper ship fleet that still remains, this is the ship that is best preserved.
Other routes were also in demand , such as the Trans-Atlantic passage and the route between New York City and San Francisco.
In addition to cargo transport, the ships were used to carry passengers and mail.
The public was thrilled with the romance of these sailing ships that flew through the waves.
Previous commercial shipping had not managed to achieve 5 knots but the clipper ship's target was 9 knots; this was often exceeded.
The different ship owners were extremely competitive with each other and newspapers entertained the public by publishing the speeds of the main vessels.
Pirates and smugglers also took advantage of these ships, glad of the speed and maneuverability that they offered.
The ships were in constant service and were usually salvaged after 20 years of use.
The golden age of the clipper ship could not last forever, as modern innovation overtook it.
Steamships gradually became dominant, for passenger travel and cargo.
Steam Clippers were employed for a while, a combination of sail and steam engines.
The reliability of the steamship, not dependent on the wind, was ultimately preferred.
This was brought to a head in 1869 when the Suez Canal was opened.
This gateway to Asia was ideal for the steamship but was unsuitable for sail.
The public of today is still fascinated by the world of sail and the clipper ship.
Certain ships have passed into folklore, such as the Marco Polo, that achieved a 60 day round voyage between England and Australia.
These ships have become museums, allowing us an insight into the past glories of sail.