Today the word "driver" means someone who operates a car or truck. In the days of sailing ships, "drivers" were notorious sea captains who pushed their crews to work in the wildest winds. They risked broken masts, ripped sails and injured sailors. But winning the gamble meant a fast voyage, big profits and personal glory.
Captain James Nicol Forbes was such a driver and earned the nickname "Bully". He forced the crew of the
Marco Polo while on a voyage from England to Australia at such a furious pace that he smashed all speed records. At the time (1852), the dignified ships of London took an average of four months to get to Australia. Bully Forbes got there and back in less than six months. His trip caused a sensation. Rumours flew that Forbes had found a new route to Australia. Today we know Forbes was using his knowledge of trade winds, benefitting from a new ship, and ignoring his passengers’ pleas to shorten sail and smooth out the ride.
The
Marco Polo served a long career. Launched in New Brunswick in 1851, it was eventually wrecked off Prince Edward Island over thirty years later. Forbes commanded other vessels, but in the end his reputation was hurt when he ran the massive British-built
Schomberg aground on a sandbar. Yet even as a washed-up, penniless captain he continued to show a feisty spirit. Insulted by two men while in Hong Kong, it is said that "in a moment he had his coat off and did not let up until he had given them a good thrashing."
A proud driver until the end, Bully Forbes’ gravestone reads, "Master of the famous
Marco Polo." Many paintings of the
Marco Polo exist. The ship’s fame continues. Its powerful image is found on modern postage stamps.
MARCO POLO With permission of the Royal Ontario Museum, ©ROM, Toronto, ON 978.249
