The five-master France entering the port of Dunkirk. Beginning 20th century. Photo: Port Museum Collection.
From 1850 wooden hulls were replaced with iron and then steel, which was much stronger and required less upkeep. These properties encouraged the construction of larger and larger ships which meant bigger cargoes and, because of the increased sail area (more than 6000 m2 for the largest), faster times. The three-masters were replaced by four and even five-masters.
The four-master Adolphe aground on the Oyster bank in Australia, in 1904. Photo: Private Collection.