Sir Lancelot was a distinguished clipper ship built in 1865 by Robert Steele & Company in Greenock, featuring a composite construction of wooden planking on iron frames. Her hull was planked with elm below the bilge and teak above, with an additional 100 tons of permanent iron ballast to enhance stability and performance. Known for her beauty and superb finish, Sir Lancelot was typical of Steele’s vessels, often described as having a “yacht-like” appearance, with elegant lines and extensive use of teak and mahogany in her woodwork both on deck and below. The vessel was primarily engaged in the China and India-Mauritius trades. She was commanded by notable figures such as Captain Richard 'Dickie' Robinson, renowned for his skill in racing and her speed records. Under Robinson’s command, Sir Lancelot set a remarkable record in 1869 for the fastest passage from China to London, completing the voyage in 89 days—a significant achievement given the season and route. The ship’s route included stops at Hong Kong, Bangkok, Saigon, Yokohama, and Fuzhou, with her arrival in London on 13 October 1869. Throughout her career, Sir Lancelot was famous for her racing prowess and fast passages, often competing with other notable clippers like Thermopylae and Ariel. Her design was initially rigged as a full ship, but her rig was later reduced to a barque, especially after modifications in the 1870s aimed at improving cargo capacity and sailing efficiency. Despite these changes, she remained capable of swift passages, including a 94-day trip from Shanghai to New York during the 1877-78 tea season. In her later years, Sir Lancelot transported sugar, rice, and salt across Indian and Persian routes. She was bought in 1886 by Parsee merchant Visram Ibrahim and survived multiple cyclones under Captain C.W. Brebner. Tragically, she is believed to have been lost in a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal near Sand Heads, Calcutta, on 1 October 1895, while carrying salt from the Red Sea to Calcutta. Her career exemplifies the speed, craftsmanship, and maritime significance of the clipper ships of her era.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.