Clipper Ships Clipper ships were extremely fast sailing ships developed primarily by the United States between the 1830's and 1860's. Clippers' did not have a final definition written in stone, but did share certain characteristics such as a sharp hull (designed for speed, not for cargo capacity) and a heavy and lofty square rig. The origin of the clipper is debatable. Some believe that it was descended from the French frigate of the late 1700's. Other's believe that it originated from the early Baltimore clipper's. It is highly probable that it was designed by many ship builders who combined their experience. The first American clippers lik