This exciting documentary traces the development of the fastest sea-going vessels of their era -- the clipper ships. With acres of sail and expert crewmen, these ships specialized in transporting luxury items from Asia to North America and Great Britain. Each captain sought to set new records for speed , outpacing their rivals in their quest to bring products to market in order to reap higher profits. Clippers also brought passengers around Cape Horn to San Francisco during the Californis Gold Rush. This episode of 'Great Ships' would be a great addition to geography curriculum, as well as history classes.