Model of the schooner Banka, anonymous, c. 1843

wood (plant material), h 123cm × l 95cm × w 26cm More details

Schooners were built for speed and used for all kinds of purposes by the navy, from conveying messages to scouting and the pursuit of smugglers and pirates. They developed in the 18th century in North America as light merchant vessels that could rapidly transport goods and passengers. This speed made schooners suitable vessels for naval tasks and, from the 19th century, even for races.