One of the most exciting races between American clipper ships took place between October, 1852 and January, 1853. The vessels involved were the crack clippers FLYING FISH, JOHN GILPIN and WILD PIGEON. Departing New York, each a few days apart, the three ships met up off Cape Horn and proceeded, often in sight of one another, to fly up the west coast to San Francisco.
The John Gilpin gambled by heading farther west into the pacific where a strong northerly got her To San Francisco first. David Thimgan has portrayed FLYING FISH and WILD PIGEON, who remained in sight of one another for most of the voyage, in their dash up the coast. FLYING FISH arrived a day after the GILPIN, but having left New York three days behind her adversary, was declared the winner.
This view shows a very unique perspective of the great FLYING FISH on her way to victory. Placing the viewer low in the water looking up at the great bows and along the graceful sheer at the ship's rail, capturing well for the speed and power of the greatest sailing ships man ever created.
