Almost everyone who kws anything about maritime history has heard of the rewned clipper ship builder, Donald McKay. The Flying Cloud, the Great Republic and the Sovereign of the Seas are just a few of his many ships. This is the story of the man who built these ships rather than the ships themselves. Starting with Donald's parents and grandparents, this is the story of Donald's life. This is also is the story of Donald's 17 brothers and sisters, as well as his 17 children, many of whom have done some extrordinary things.