Clippership Thermopylae
gouache, 22" x 40"
$4,800
This painting was commissioned for the cover art for Revell’s model ship packaging.
Thermopylae was designed for the China tea trade. Her outbound passage was usually to Australia. On her maiden voyage, starting November 1868, she set a speed record of 63 days from Gravesend to Hobsons Bay, Melbourne. Thermopylae was particularly suited to the tea trade, putting in excellent performances in light winds. Though fast on all point of sailing, she was especially quick sailing to windward. Both of these characteristics were important for getting across the China Sea, and it was this section of the homeward passage which was crucial for achieving a fast time back to London.
Her last tea passage was in 1881. After that, she carried wool home from Sydney. On this route she did not perform as well as her rival Cutty Sark as she no longer had the advantage of her light wind performance. In 1890 she was sold to Canadian owners and used in the timber trade.