November 22

On November 22, 1869, the sleek clipper ship Cutty Sark was launched at the shipyards in Dumbarton, Scotland. Commissioned to compete in the high-stakes tea trade between China and Britain, her design prioritized speed and agility. The vessel’s elegant hull and towering masts allowed her to set speed records on the China run. After her peak years carrying tea, the Cutty Sark was refitted to transport wool from Australia, showcasing her versatility. She became one of the last and fastest of the great clippers of the age of sail. Today, the Cutty Sark is preserved as a museum ship in Greenwich, celebrating Britain’s maritime heritage.

On 22 November 1935, Pan American Airways launched the China Clipper, the world's first commercial flying boat service across the Pacific Ocean. Departing Alameda, California, the Martin M-130 Clipper carried mail and passengers through a network of island stops en route to Manila. The pioneering flight covered over 8,000 kilometers in under six days, connecting North America and Asia. It marked a breakthrough in long-distance aviation and demonstrated the viability of regular air communication across oceans. The service laid the groundwork for modern intercontinental air travel and cemented Pan Am's role as a global airline pioneer.