The regular crew of the _Marco Polo_ numbered 30 men, but 30 other seamen worked their passage, so Forbes could afford to carry on till the last moment, especially as in emigrant ships the passengers were always ready for “pully-hauly,” in order to get exercise, and invariably tailed on to halliard or brace when there was occasion. _Marco Polo_, of course, had her full outfit of flying kites, and set three skysails on sliding gunter masts, man-of-war fashion, but she did not send aloft a moonsail at the main like her great successors _Lightning_, _James Baines_ and _Champion of the Seas_. She had Cunningham’s patent topsails, and on one occasion reduced sail from royals to double reefs in 20 minutes. _Marco Polo’s_ departure was not allowed to take place without the usual banquet aboard previous to sailing, which was such a custom in the fifties. The _dejeuner_, as the reporters called it, was served on the ship’s poop under an awning. Mr. James Baines presided, and his partner Mackay and Captain Forbes were vice-chairmen. After the usual round on round of toasts, there was the usual speechifying. James Baines opened the ball by the customary optimistic speech. Mr. Munn, of the Cunard Company, followed with the hope that as the _Marco Polo_ was the largest ship ever despatched to Australia, so she would be the most prosperous. Mr. Mackay said that he never felt so much responsibility, as he did that day, when he found nearly 1000 souls on board the _Marco Polo_; and Captain Forbes finished up by the characteristic remark that “he judged from the appearance of her sticks and timbers that she would be obliged to go; and that they must not be surprised if they found the _Marco Polo_ in the River Mersey that day six months.” This prophecy the people of Liverpool duly saw fulfilled. The _Marco Polo_ was advertised to sail on the 21st June, but she did not actually sail until Sunday, 4th July. The following is the first shipping notice of this wonderful ship:— SPECIAL NOTICE, And under engagement to sail on the 21st June. The Splendid New Frigate-built Ship— “MARCO POLO.” A1 at Lloyd’s. 2500 tons burthen; coppered and copper fastened; now only on her second voyage[A]; is the largest vessel ever despatched from Liverpool to Australia; and expected to sail as fast as any ship afloat; has splendid accommodations and carries two surgeons— Apply to JAMES BAINES & CO. After sailing on 4th July, the _Marco Polo_ arrived inside Port Phillip Heads at 11 a.m. on 18th September, 1852, after a record passage of 68 days, having beaten the steamer _Australia_ by a clear week. Running her easting down her best day’s work was 364 miles, and in four successive days she covered 1344 miles, an average of 336 a day.