Santa Claus (clipper)

In the course of her career, she made three voyages from the East Coast of the United States to San Francisco, California, the fastest of which was a comparatively swift 128-day passage in the winter of 1857–1858.

[2] Clearing Boston in May 1856, the ship then made a 140-day trip to San Francisco, experiencing light winds throughout the voyage, apart from some heavy weather around Cape Horn, and arrived at her destination September 21.

[2] In October 1855, Santa Claus's captain, Bailey Foster, was arrested on a charge of manslaughter at New Orleans, Louisiana, for having shot and killed a sailor on board the ship while at sea.

[2] Initially making good time to the equator, Santa Claus faced headwinds off Cape São Roque, Brazil, and was driven back across the line, not re-crossing it for another 14 days.

[9][10][b] Santa Claus thereafter made a third trip to Hong Kong, in the time of 48 days, after which she completed an 88-day voyage to Callao, Peru, arriving February 2, 1860.

[12] Santa Claus made her third and final voyage around the Horn to San Francisco in 1861, departing from Boston, and arriving at her destination in September.

[1][12] Clearing Callao for her destination May 30, Santa Claus reported to a passing ship on July 18 that she was leaking badly but nonetheless expected to make port.