What were the fastest sailing ships in the mid 1800's?

Answer 1

The fastest ships of the eighteen hundreds were those that were light weight with enough sails to move swiftly. Specifically these were the Clippers. These were developed for fast trade with the East Indies and China and were known as Tea Clippers. Several averaged 14 knots, and some ranged to 16 or 18 knots for limited distances in the mid 1800s. Most port to port records were finally won by American Clippers. Sovereign of the Seas averaged 22 knots down the East coast of Australia in 1854 on an individual run. There were several riggings of Clipper but the Square Rigged was the fastest and most successful.

Answer 2

Clipper ships were the fastest for caring freight in the mid 1800