1847The first Gloucester-owned clipper was built in Essex.Economy and Industry, Maritime & Fishing Industry

Over the winter of 1846-47, Essex shipbuilder Andrew Story built a schooner named Romp for Samuel and George F. Wonson of Gloucester. Its design differed considerably from the bluff-browed schooners called “bankers” that were the most common Gloucester boats on the Grand Banks. The new design featured a square-sterned, sleeker hull with a shallower draft, taller masts and increased sail area that was more like the Baltimore “clipper.” They were designed for speed to bring fresh fish to market as fast as possible to get the best price. Smaller versions of these clipper schooners were nicknamed “sharpshooters.”