Route Great Tea Race of 1866

ariel s homeward passage, 1866

the sailing route china tea ports london across china sea, indian ocean, passing mauritius, rounding southern tip of africa atlantic, passing west of azores before turning towards english chanel. major variations in china sea, different strategies pick favourable winds. direct route indian ocean through sunda strait. circumstances (such strong south-westerly wind on departure) or cautious captain may dictate use of eastern passage . meant heading out pacific ocean, going down eastern coast of formosa (taiwan) , philippines, through gillolo strait, pitt passage, , ombai strait indian ocean. longer route did not result in slow passage: sir lancelot took 99 days woosung (wusong) london route in 1867.

the distance foochow london described being on 14,000 miles macgregor. ariel logged 15,800 nautical miles china london on 1866 passage.

the start of tea season during stages of south-west monsoon in china sea, head winds experienced, , light or variable winds sudden squalls. many captains sailing sunda strait therefore chose head westward coast of annam (present day vietnam) pick land breezes. involved tacking @ favourable moment close inshore start of land breeze, in middle of night. crossing annam coast meant passing paracels, area of low-lying islands , reefs presented obvious dangers. coast of annam, usual route head south coast of borneo, again take advantage of land , sea breezes.

the crossing of china sea decided overall passage time london. had notable hazards, particularly accurate, surveyed charts did not exist @ time.

the 5 ships leading 1866 race headed sunda strait, sailing past paracels, down coast of annam , south borneo, bound anjer, on southern side of sunda strait.