The Mimosa

The Mimosa reached Argentina on 27th July 1865 carrying about 160 settlers from Wales. By 28th July 1865, the travellers had begun to disembark from the ship and welcomed dry land under their feet for the first time in many weeks. The Mimosa was a converted tea clipper, and had cost £2,500 to hire and convert to carry passengers on such a far reaching and dangerous voyage.

The Mimosa carried:

• 56 married adults
• 36 single or widowed men
• 14 single women
• 57 children

The fare from Liverpool to Patagonia was £12 for adults and £6 for children. But everyone was welcome on the ship – whether or not they could afford to pay.

Task:

• How many paying adult passengers would be needed on the ship for the voyage to pay for itself?