[2]: 178, 180 Lahloo was of the same class and sharpness as Ariel, "with more deadrise and tumblehome and a slightly fuller run."

She was designed by William Steele, had a composite hull, and carried Cunningham's roller-reefing topsails.

This was about the last of the tea clipper racing, for the combined competition of steam and the Suez Canal proved too powerful for sail.

"[3] According to Lubbock, the tea clippers Lahloo, Fiery Cross, Taeping and Serica performed at their best in light breezes, as they were all rigged with single topsails.

The photograph is believed to date from the early 1870s – she was built with single topsails and it is not clear when the change was made.