Built in 1911 by the Blohm & Voss shipyard for the Hamburg shipping company Laeisz, PEKING is a typical example of the legendary Flying P-Liners – a term sailors once used to describe these windjammers with great respect. With its steel hull, four masts, and technical precision, PEKING was one of the last great cargo sailing ships that could still compete with steam and motor vessels in the early 20th century. Its speed, safety, and efficiency made it ideal for transporting saltpeter from Chile, a highly sought-after commodity in Europe at the time. The success of the Flying P-Liners, of which a total of 65 were built, was based not only on the perfect coordination of the approximately 30- man crew but also on the reliable speed of the “flying” sailships. However, advancements in steam and motor ship technology ultimately marked the end of this era.
