The Marco Polo

THE MARCO POLO
From shipyard scraps to the world's fastest ship, the Marco Polo had
a storied beginning. She was built in tough economic times at the
Smith Ship Yard, when Saint John was a worldwide shipbuilding hub.
Called a "shoebox" and "Smith's Folly" by the locals,
the Polo faltered at her first launching.
Eventually, she slipped into the Atlantic and into Canadian history.
The Marco Polo was purchased by the Black Ball Line
and operated on the England-Australia run.
She was the first ship to complete the roundtrip from
Liverpool to Melbourne in less than six months,
making her the fastest ship in the world.
It has been said that a fifth of Australians can trace their roots
to the Marco Polo. She sank near the shores of Cavendish,
Prince Edward Island in August of 1883.
Artist: ROD MACKAY

Submitted by @AdamGignac