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 | One of the original, Baltimore Clippers |
 The Pride of Baltimore II Off the coast of Milwaukee,WI, USA |  The Pride of Baltimore II Off the coast of Brestin, France |
The Pride of Baltimore racing in the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland USA | The term was first used in the United States soon after the War of 1812 (1812-1815) and was applied to the type of vessel known as a Baltimore clipper, which probably developed from the fast-sailing-ship design popular in England in the 16th century. The basic hull form has a heart-shaped midsection, a short keel with very raking stern and stem outlines, and a low-sided and sharp-bowed hull. The first true Baltimore clipper appeared, presumably on the eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay, sometime before the American Revolution (1775-1783). Baltimore clippers attracted attention toward the end of the war as they were used as privateers. By the early 19th century the Baltimore clipper became known internationally as a fast-sailing, seagoing vessel suitable for naval service, illegal trading, and transportation of light cargoes. The ship long remained the basic model for many small, fast-sailing craft. |
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