Swordfish was an 1851 clipper ship which has been called William H. Webb’s masterpiece.

She is known for her record-breaking race to San Francisco with the clipper Flying Fish.

“On her first passage out to San Francisco a race was arranged for large stakes between her and the Flying-fish, a Boston record-breaker, built by the great designer, Donald McKay.

The Sword-fish won, making the trip in ninety-two days,—the second best record ever made,—her rival taking ninety-eight days.” [2] The race took place in the fall the Sword Fish sailed out of Boston and the Flying Fish out of New York.

The Flying Fish's career best record time to San Francisco was 92 days.