The keel of this clipper once sliced through the oceans at the rate of 350 miles a day - carrying tea from China and later wool from Australia. It was and is one of the most beautiful sailing vessels ever made.
But by its launch in 1869, steam power was starting to take over from sail.
NOTE: The Cutty Sark has recently experienced a disaterous fire. Check the Cutty Sark web site for the latest news.
In 1869, Cutty Sark set out to be the best clipper of all those in the golden age of sailing. She met her destiny three years later by crushing the fastest clipper at the time, Thermopylae. The 963-ton Cutty Sark's daily sailing distance averaged 163 miles, reaching speeds as high as 14 knots.
The phrase "Cutty Sark" means "very short
wearing", a phrase used to describe a witch in the legendary tale "O' Thunder".
The Cutty Sark is open every day and is a unique opportunity to see the last tea clipper in existence.
