Romance of the Sea (clipper)

The Romance of the Sea was a clipper ship built in 1853 by William H. Webb in New York City. She was known for her speed and elegance, participating in the China tea trade and later carrying passengers and cargo on routes to Australia and other destinations.

Romance of the Sea was a medium clipper, meaning she prioritized a balance between cargo capacity and speed, rather than extreme speed at the expense of carrying space. She was owned by prominent shipping firms and often commanded by experienced captains.

While not the absolute fastest clipper ever built, Romance of the Sea consistently made respectable passages, contributing to her reputation as a reliable and well-maintained vessel. Details of her specific dimensions, tonnage, and exact speed records can vary slightly depending on the source, but general agreement exists regarding her role in the mid-19th century's maritime trade.

The ship's later history involved a transition from the highly competitive tea trade to other cargo and passenger routes as steamships gradually replaced sailing vessels in the fastest and most profitable sectors. The ultimate fate of Romance of the Sea, including her final disposition (e.g., sale for other purposes, wreck, or dismantling), is not universally documented and may require further research to ascertain definitively.