Lightning

Lightning Burnt Photograph: State Library of Victoria Allan C. Green. (H91.108/1538

Background

The Lightning was a clipper ship with the Black Ball Line, built by Donald McKay in Boston in 1853-4. In 1854, under Captain James "Bully" Forbes, this vessel set a Liverpool to Melbourne to Liverpool record never equaled for sailing ships of 5 months and 21 days. The journey to Australia was 77 days, with 20 days in Hobson's Bay, and a 63 day return.

In 1869 the Lightning was destroyed by fire in Corio Bay, Geelong while loading wool.

Passengers to Australia

John White, 1854

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