The great sailing ships of the late 19th century were among man's outstandingly beautiful creations. They continue to hold a fascination, not only because they were beautiful, but because they have come to represent an age which is now consigned to history. These majestic vessels Were superb pieces of engineering. Often over 300 feet (90 metres) long and full in the beam, they possessed immensely powerful hulls capable of withstanding all but the fiercest of the elements. The deepwater sailing ship was the bulk carrier of its day. Even by the end of the 19th century, this breed of sailer could compete with the triple expansion engined steamship on long-haul trade routes and still offer a reasonable return on investment. It was only when the cost of bunker coal fell, thereby giving steamships the advantage, that the deep-water sailer became an non-viable proposition. In the ten year period beginning in 1882, 271 barques and full-riggers were built on the Clyde during which time the yards of Russell, Stephen, Connell, Lithgow and Rodger established a world-wide reputation for the construction of large sailing ships of outstanding design, quality and durability. 71e three-masted barque Glenlee was one such vessel. This is her story...