Ep 12. The Clippers

The Great Ships is a fascinating documentary series that explores the stories of some of the most impressive watercrafts to have ever sailed the sea. The twelfth episode of the first season is titled "The Clippers" and it delves into the history of clipper ships, the swift vessels that revolutionized long distance trade and transportation in the mid-19th century.

The episode follows the historical evolution of clipper ships, which were designed for speed with a long, narrow design and multiple sails to capture as much wind as possible. The episode spans from the early days of clipper ships, when they were used for short coastal voyages, to their swiftest years in the mid-1800s, when they dominated international trade routes.

As episode 12 of season 1 of The Great Ships progresses, the show explores the boom in the clipper ship industry and how they became one of the most effective ways to transport goods and people across the Atlantic. Much of this success was due to their speed - clippers could outpace steamships and other traditional vessels, which made them ideal for carrying high-value goods such as tea and spices.

The episode delves into the technical details of clipper ships, including their innovative construction techniques, their intricate rigging systems, and the use of cutting-edge technology at the time to maximize their performance. Viewers will also learn about the significant influence that these ships had on the world of maritime engineering, including the advancements in materials science and the design of more powerful engines.

Throughout this exciting episode, viewers are introduced to a wide range of real-life stories involving clipper ships. For example, the show tells the tale of the four-year voyage of the clipper ship Sea Witch, which set a new record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe in 1854. In another tale, viewers are introduced to the maiden voyage of the clipper Flying Cloud, which became famous for carrying gold prospectors around the world and for completing the journey from New York to San Francisco in a record-breaking 89 days.

As the episode concludes, we learn more about the decline of clipper ships. The demand for their services dropped as rail transport and steamships became more common and reliable, but their legacy lived on. The show explores how these magnificent vessels had helped transform global commerce by introducing faster and more efficient ways of transporting goods and people all over the world.

Overall, "The Clippers" is a captivating episode that is sure to delight anyone interested in maritime history and engineering. With stunning footage, expert insights, and exciting stories, this episode provides a fascinating and informative look into one of the most significant innovations in the world of ships.