The Down Easters

"The Down Easters: American Deep-Water Sailing Ships 1869-1929" is a comprehensive chronicle of the pinnacle of American wooden shipbuilding. This work examines the majestic square-rigged ships, known as Down Easters, which dominated the deep-water trade routes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Basil Lubbock provides detailed accounts of these vessels, exploring their construction, their legendary voyages around Cape Horn, and the skilled mariners who commanded them.

The book serves as a vital historical record of the transition from the California clipper era to the final days of commercial sail. It highlights the economic and cultural impact of the New England shipping industry, particularly in Maine, where these sturdy and beautiful ships were primarily built. Readers will find exhaustive documentation of individual ships, their dimensions, and their performances on the high seas. This authoritative study captures the spirit of a bygone maritime age, offering an essential resource for naval historians, sailing enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the rich heritage of American seafaring.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

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