The Marco Polo held the record of the fastest ship for 15 years, from 1852 to 1867. 

The Marco Polo was launched in 1851 in New Brunswick, Canada.  She measured 184 feet in length, with a beam of 36 feet and draught of 29 feet.

In 1852, the ship was converted for passenger service between England and Australia. That year the Marco Polo sailed from Liverpool to Port Phillips Head in 76 days. After spending 3 weeks in port, she returned to Liverpool in another 76 days. Her total trip time was 5 months, 21 days, making this the first ever round trip in less than 6 months. 

In 1867, the Marco Polo was converted back to cargo use. On a trip from Quebec on July 22, 1883 she sprang a leak north of Prince Edward Island. Her crew deliberately grounded her on a beach at Cavendish, Prince Edward Island and cut her masts cut down to prevent the wind from blowing her further onto the shore.  They were able to preserve her until a strong gale came the following month.

Today the wreck site is considered a National Historic Site.  Many artifacts from the ship are now on display at the New Brunswick Museum in England. 

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This Marco Polo model features:

• Scratch-built

• Double plank-on-frame

• All parts are wooden or metal

• Authentic rigging

• Wooden base (no marble)

36" long  x 30" tall x 17" wide      $1,900      S&H is $130

For display case, please click here:  https://www.modelshipmaster.com/products/accessory/displaycase.htm

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