Storm Approaching 1830 Postcard

Boats off the Coast, Storm Approaching by John Sell Cotman 1830 Old sailing ships were often referred to as “tall ships” or “square-rigged vessels” due to their large size and distinctive shape. These vessels were used for exploration, trade, and warfare during the Age of Sail, which lasted from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Under favorable wind conditions, ancient vessels averaged between 4 and 6 knots over open water, and 3 to 4 knots while working through islands or along coasts. In the 1700s, sailing ships still needed at least six weeks to cross the Atlantic. In the early 19th century sailing ships took about six weeks to cross the Atlantic. With adverse winds or bad weather the journey could take as long as fourteen weeks.