This of course a somewhat subjective question,but most would agree that it was George Washington who most help the patriots;cause since he was a highly charismatic leader leader that gained the respect and attention of practically the entire colonial population <span />
. . . that would be a <u><em>clipper ship</em></u>
this would be a larger vessel meant for traveling long distances quickly & smoothly resulting from it's construction using a narrow/streamlined body & large sail spread to catch the wind.