" SHIPS ~ MARCO POLO."
Miniature Sheet ~ First Day Cover !
Reverse of Cover gives details.
Once called "the fastest ship in the world," the Saint John, New Brunswick- built Marco Polo heralded a new age in travel in the mid-1800s by substantially cutting the sailing time from England to Australia.
The creation of shipbuilder James Smith, it had the structure of a broad-beamed cargo vessel above the water line, but the sleek lines of a clipper ship below.
Although the Marco Polo began and ended its 32-year career in the shipping trade - in particular, hauling lumber - it gained international renown for its speed and luxury after being refitted for passenger service.
The queen of the celebrated Black Ball Line, the Marco Polo carried emigrants to Australia in the frantic gold rush days of the early 1850s, and set a record for speed by circumnavigating the globe in just five months and 21 days.
Its unique design, superb construction and legendary prowess promoted Canadian shipbuilding around the world.
FDI: 1999-03-19, SAINT JOHN NB.
