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The Challenge Leaving New York

The largest, longest clipper built to date, July 11, 1851

"The Challenge" was built in New York in 1850-51 by W.H. Webb, the largest and longest clipper built up to that date, as a "challenge" to all British clippers.

Captain Waterman, who had set a record with "The Sea Witch," commanded "The Challenge" with a mutinous crew, most of whom spoke no English. Waterman received such bad press in suppressing the mutiny that he was forced to relinquish command when the ship arrived in San Francisco.

Captain Land replaced Waterman, but encountered the same troubles. Despite a mutinous, unruly crew, The Challenge's run of 18 days in 1851 from Japan to San Francisco has never been equaled by any sailing ship.

21 x 24 in. lithograph - 840 edition