The Thermopylae was an extreme composite clipper ship built in 1868 by Walter Hood & Co of Aberdeen. She was rigged with royal sails, single top-gallant and double top-sails. Thermopylae was designed for the China tea trade, and set speed records on her maiden voyage to Melbourne – 63 days, still the fastest trip under sail.

In 1872 she raced the clipper Cutty Sark from Shanghai back to London and won by seven days after Cutty Sark lost her rudder. In 1895 she was sold to Portugal and used as a naval training ship. The Portuguese Navy torpedoed her at sea in 1906.

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