Sancho Panza

WEB Sancho Panza: A Clipper Ship Named After a Literary Figure

Background of the Ship

WEB Sancho Panza was an 1855 medium clipper ship of 876 tons, built in Medford, Massachusetts, by Samuel Lapham and owned by John E. Robinson. The ship's namesake, Sancho Panza, was the squire of Don Quixote in Miguel de Cervantes's novel.

Connecting to the Literary Character

Sancho Panza, the literary character, is a short, pot-bellied peasant known for his common sense and gross appetite. In the novel, he follows Don Quixote out of greed, curiosity, and loyalty. The ship's name reflects Don Quixote's promise to give his squire a petty governorship, which adds a touch of humor and whimsy to the vessel's history.

The WEB Sancho Panza sailed the seas for many years, carrying cargo and people between ports around the world. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Miguel de Cervantes's work that a ship was named after one of its most memorable characters. The WEB Sancho Panza serves as a reminder of the impact that literature can have on our culture and imagination.