_-_SLV_H91.325-1033.jpg) Taeping
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom | |
| Builder | Robert Steele & Company, Greenock |
| Launched | 1863 |
| In service | 1863–1871 |
| Out of service | 1871 |
| Fate | Wrecked near Ladd Reef 1871 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Clipper |
| Tonnage | 767 NRT |
| Length | 183' |
| Propulsion | Sails |
The Taeping was a tea clipper built in 1863 by Robert Steele & Company of Greenock and owned by Captain Alexander Rodger of Cellardyke, Fife. Over her career, Taeping was the first clipper to dock in London in three different tea seasons. This compares with the highly successful Fiery Cross, who won the "premium" in four separate tea seasons.[1]: 120-123
Taeping was one of the front runners in the very close Great Tea Race of 1866. Despite Ariel being ten minutes ahead of Taeping at Deal, Taeping docked 28 minutes before Ariel as she did not need to wait so long for the tide to rise to allow entry to her dock – and it was whoever docked first that was the winner.
The ship's first captain was Donald MacKinnon (Dòmhnall ’ic Nèill ’ic Dhòmnaill Ruaidh) of Heanish, Tiree. He was taken ill on the outward passage to China for the 1867-68 tea season and put ashore in South Africa, where he died. The first mate, J. Dowdy took over command, remaining in that position until he moved to another clipper in 1871.[1]: 146-147, 336-239
Taeping was wrecked on 22 September 1871 on Ladd Reef in the South China Sea while traveling to New York.[1]: 147
- ^ a b c MacGregor, David R. (1983). The Tea Clippers, Their History and Development 1833–1875. Conway Maritime Press Limited. ISBN 0-85177-256-0.