A view of the port-side (right) and three-quarter view of the port-side and stern (left) of the same British clipper/packet, 'Transit.' Designed by Richard Hall Gower, the 'Transit' was an experimental vessel that possessed many clipper-ship characteristics. She had a concave bow, even keel, a foremast stepped back, and the greatest breadth of beam located at the center rather than far forward. In June 1801, she raced against the sloop 'Osprey' and was reported to have had a great advantage. Despite proving herself as a fast-sailing vessel, she failed to attract interest from the Hon. East India Company and the Royal Mail.
