In 1889 the Cutty Sark made an historic passage out to Sydney. To general amazement she arrived 78 days out from the Lizard, actually overtaking the new P. & O. streamer Brittania on the way.

In spite of this triumph, the profitability of the clippers was declining. And as the ships aged the costs of maintenance increased.

Much as he loved his ship, John Willis was a man of business and in 1895 he had to sell her.