The winter days of some shipyard workers were spent carving figureheads, a more comfortable occupation than working on the docks. This particular carving graced the bow of one of the most famous ships of Saint John, the Marco Polo. Built by James Smith in 1850-51 it was impressive in size over 1,500 tons and design. When launched, the Marco Polo slid onto a mud bank and twisted its hull. Far from damaging the ship, the resulting twist or hog possibly increased its speed, because this vessel became known as the fastest ship in the world. After launching, the Marco Polo was sailed to England and sold. The ship was used for passenger service between Birkenhead, England and Melbourne, Australia and the proud captain challenged the skipper of a steam vessel on the same route to a race. On its initial voyage the Marco Polo not only beat the steamship but trimmed over two months off the usual time taken for the round trip. Subsequent voyages were made in even shorter times, but as the ship aged its speed was reduced and technology resulted in the production of faster steam vessels. In 1880 the Marco Polo was sold to be used as a cargo ship, and in 1883 it was wrecked on the coast of Prince Edward Island.
