The Clipper Ship “Walter Hood”, Entering the Heads of Port Jackson.

Very rare engraving of the Walter Hood’s arrival into Sydney Harbour on its maiden voyage to Sydney in 1853. The record 80 days from London was matched by the fastest return passage from Sydney. The name of the Aberdeen clipper became familiar to nearly every colonist, the vessel being one of the favourite and most regular traders between London and Sydney during its 17 year association with the colony. The Walter Hood had the honour of forwarding the first edition of the Illustrated Sydney News to London. When launched in 1852, the clipper ship Walter Hood was the largest sailing vessel ever built in Aberdeen. The vessel was named in honour of its famous builder, Walter Hood for his skill in ship design and construction. It was 937 tons and 172 feet (52.43m) and belonged to George Thompson’s celebrated White Star Line and was built expressly for the Australian-China trade. The Walter Hood had provision for limited first class passenger accommodation and occasionally carried up to 50 passengers in steerage. The vessel’s maiden voyage to Sydney in 1853 immediately realised everyone’s expectations. The record 80 days from London was matched by the fastest return passage from Sydney. The name of the Aberdeen clipper became familiar to nearly every colonist, the vessel being one of the favourite and most regular traders between London and Sydney during its 17 year association with the colony. The Walter Hood had the honour of forwarding the first edition of the Illustrated Sydney News to London.

From the very first edition of the Illustrated Sydney News.