[2] Though initial opinions were that Rainbow would sink during its first trip, its subsequent success led to a rush to adopt the new design in shipbuilding across Boston, New York, Philadelphia and British manufacturing companies.

She created a sensation while still on the stocks because of her concave or hollowed lines forward, which opposed the tradition and practice of shipbuilding of the time.

It was generally admitted by the recognized shipping authorities of South Street, that she was a handsome vessel, but whether she could be made to sail was a question on which there were varieties of opinion.

"[7] "Her bow with its concave waterlines and the greatest breadth at a point considerably further aft than had hitherto been regarded as practicable, was a radical departure, differing not merely in degree but in kind from any ship that preceded her.

"[10] "In 1841, John W. Griffeths [sic], of New York, proposed several improvements in marine architecture, which were embodied in the model of a clipper ship exhibited at the American Institute, in February of that year.

Another improvement which he proposed was to fine out the after body by rounding up the ends of the main transom, thus relieving the quarters and making the stern much lighter and handsomer above the water-line.

The European experts were written to in reference to this important matter, and after they had duly considered the principal dimensions of the vessel, the trade in which she was to be employed, etc., a paper draft and elaborate calculations were prepared and forwarded to New York.

Mr. Aspinwall, who never doubted that his pet project had been carefully carried out, attributed much of the success of this vessel to the placing of her masts by foreign rules.

On her maiden voyage, Captain Land had sailed her so aggressively that just four days after leaving New York her top gallant masts came out.

On her second voyage to China the Rainbow went out against the northeast monsoon in just ninety-two days and came home to New York in eighty-eight on 29 February 1848, demonstrating her ability to sail windward well.

[1]"Her second voyage to China out and home, was made in six months and fourteen days, including two weeks in port discharging and loading cargo.