Swordfish was an 1851 clipper ship which has been called William H. WebbâÂÂs masterpiece. She is known for her record-breaking race to San Francisco with the clipper Flying Fish.
<blockquote> âÂÂOn her first passage out to San Francisco a race was arranged for large stakes between her and the Flying-fish, a Boston record-breaker, built by the great designer, Donald McKay. The Sword-fish won, making the trip in ninety-two days,âÂÂthe second best record ever made,âÂÂher rival taking ninety-eight days.â </blockquote> The race took place in the fall the Sword Fish sailed out of Boston and the Flying Fish out of New York. The Flying Fish led to the equator by 4 days, but they both went round the Horn neck and neck. The Sword Fish would do the journey in 90 days, the Flying Fish in 98 1/2. The Flying Fish's career best record time to San Francisco was 92 days.