>>2061148>iirc old timey masts were limited by the height of the trees used to make themStepped multi-sectioned masts are a 16th century technology, emerging from the Dutch and their flyut trade fleet.
High speed vessels like clippers weren't feasible prior to the 19th century because of the lack of copper sheeting that would allow for draggy weed and animal growth on the ship hull that would negate most benefits of a slick high speed hull shortly after starting a voyagle cleanly scrubbed and maintained in port.
