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Hello All:

Last fall I dared to go into a New Hampshire bookstore and stumbled on " Greyhounds of the Sea" by Carl Cutler.  The book is about the maritme growth of U.S. commerce, ship building, and the rise & fall of American clipper ships. The book's period is about 1800s through 1860s -1870s. 

I was hoping to learn more about innovations, hull shape and other strewamlining factors since the book was written when better hull design factors were known.   Considering my goal, the book was a major disappointment and a really tough slog.  BUT, if one is interested in east coast shipwards, ship building. individual voyages, ship masters, log books and entries, available  resources, etc, it is an amazing resource. It was interesting to learn about NY, Boston, Mystic and other shipyards. Numerous references to newspaper articles. I give the book only a tepid recommendation .

However,on pages 99 & 100, the Probus, built in Medford, MA, USA, is briefly discussed. Cutler claims Probus briefly established a new record in the tea trade. " From the NY Herald March 19, 1842; The  Probus......will sail today for Canton. This clipper was built under the superintendency of Capt. Sumner, her commander,........her first voyage in almost incredible short space of eight months and fifteen days, including the time of discharging and reloading at Macao. We believe.......quickest passage to and from.... equals speed of English steamships." Capt. Sumner and many others, as they said in those days, was a "driver".

Frank, if you want this book, I'll leave it at Mystic Seaport someday. 

Best regards to all.

Bruce