The Ships of ERAs Mod 2

[modernknight1]

This is a topic that I will use to showcase the ships of/my mod work with ships in ERAs 2. I plan to finish a class book that show what nations have what ships and their strengths and weaknesses. It will be an illustrated guide with lots of pictures.

For now this is a place holder and a spot where we can discuss the ships of ERAs2. If you have requests or would like the see a ship with different capabilities and why….lets discuss that here.

To get your fix on ERAs2 ships take a look at the GOF ERAs2 topic on FLICKR here: HERE:

and at my photo stream HERE: https://www.flickr.com/photos/49225014@N05/with/15931293259/

MK

• This topic was modified 9 years, 10 months ago by modernknight1.

[modernknight1]

As I continue to develop the Illustrated Guidebook for GOF ERAs2 (in PDF) this is the list I will build on.

This is not all of the ships in the game but this list is composed of the ships that are available and can be encountered in the game currently. I am still working on some of the ship narrative descriptions but they are about 85 percent complete. If we consider that there are about 170 ships in the game available and about 90 percent of those have three different skins/incarnations that you can encounter, (using the justification provided by some other games I won’t mention) I am counting each of those as a separate ship. So we have well over 400 ships in GOF ERAs2. I’m still reskinning some of them but I would say about 80 percent are already reskinned by me. You might play through an entire game and still not encounter all of the possible ships.

Anyhow: Here is the list of ships: Portraits will be added soon for this list and the guidebook.

Tartane {
The tartane is a small coastal and river fishing vessel with a simple two masted lateen sail rig. Her origins are Mediterranean, but ships like her have been built everywhere these days. The tartane’s excellent sailing characteristics make her a popular boat for use by small time coastal traders or for coastal and river passenger transport between closely located settlements. She has no armament.
}
Tartane2 {
The Tartane de Negoce is a larger version of the tartane used for coastal cargo tranport and fishing. With a simple two masted lateen sail rig, her origins are French along the Mediterranean coastline. She was favored by French traders on journeys to the Levant and back. Many like her have now been built in French Caribbean towns. The “Negoce’s” excellent sailing characteristics make her a popular boat for use by small time regional traders or for coastal and river passenger transport between closely located settlements.
}
ArmedTartane {
The Armed French Tartane is simply a slightly larger and sturdier version of the tartane with a few swivel guns mounted as armament. Her origins are ports along the French Mediterranean coastline. She is favored by French merchants engaged in the Levant trade and back – with some examples now appearing in French colonial ports. Her excellent sailing characteristics make her a popular boat for use by small time local traders or for coastal and river passenger transport between closely located settlements. She is occassionally used for river patrols, smuggling and raids.
}
WarTartane {
A “War” Tartane is simply a larger sturdier version of the Tartane de Negoce, but with armament added in the way of a few small powerful cannon. She’s not really considered a serious seaboat, but vessels like her are in both the Mediterranean and Caribbean. With her lateen rig and small guns she is favored for trading up rivers with inland settlements and native peoples. She’s also commonly used for river patrols, coastal trading, smuggling and even occassional raiding.
}
BarcoCostero {
The Barco Costero is simply a small Basque or Catalonian style coastal sail boat. She is of a more modern design than her older tartane cousins with a better ability to shelter her passengers. With her more advanced rig she is much faster and more maneuverable than the tartane as well. She is built for small time coastal and river fishing, trading, passenger transport, and occassionally just for simple pleasure boating. She has no armament.
}
PequenaCaravela {
The Pequena Caravela, from the Spanish for simply “Small Caravel”, is a rudimentary 14th/15th century ship design that is now long obsolete, but despite this is still in common use – although usually found around Spanish and Portuguese ports. She was one of the first long distance vessels capable of enduring rough seas because of her high freeboard and hardy durability. She originally made a name for herself as a ship of exploration. Henry the Navigator and Christopher Columbus’ ships were similar such vessels.
}
Caravela {
This little old Spanish navy caravel is way past her prime. She is probably at least 80 years old. Yet here she is and in fairly well maintained condition. Once classified by the Spanish navy as Caravela de Armada identifying her as a heavily armed version of the merchant Caravel Redonda – both ships carried four masts and multiple lateens with only the foremast square rigged. She shares some design characteristics of the cargo Urca with her wide bottom providing a stable gun platform for her battery of 32 small guns. Old, slow, and ungainly she is not the best choice these days, but a poor merchant captain might make the best of things with such a vessel, and could probably do much worse.
}
Coastal Trading Caravel {
This little caravel is a 200 year old design that is still built even now by old-time local boat builders. No longer used by the Spanish government or for the transatlantic trade as her predecessors that were originally used in the discovery and exploration of the New World. She is now a simple coastal, island and river vessel used by small-time private traders in the transport of modest cargoes. Her modest speed, armament and crew capacity provide little in the way of defense against todays threats.
}
Large Caravella de Armada {
This hardy old hybrid was once a mainstay of the Spanish Navy in the last century. Her design is derived from old Carracks and Spanish Naos but she also displays features of the caravel. She was designated “Caravella de Armada” by the Spanish navy which could recofigure her masts and sail plan for different conditions. She often would sport three large lateens from her main and two mizzens which classified her as a Caravella Redonda. She is actually the direct predecessor of the Galleon. At least 60 years old these days, the last of her kind were built by basque traders around 1600, but thousands of her type were present a hundred years earlier. Still many of her kind still survive as private traders or colonial bulk cargo carriers. She is obsolete and slow but still sturdy and reliable.
}
Small Northern Galleon {
This little old trading galleon is based on a Dutch design of around 1570. Although considered a galleon, her very small size can also classify her a “Northern Patache”. Somewhat different than the Southern Spanish Patache which is actually better armed, the designation simply means small armed vessel. Used by the Dutch, English and French, her type is usually found in the English channel and baltic. However, small time private traders and fishermen use this ship for transatlantic transport. Her type is still also used to transport poor and dispossessed colonists looking to start a new and better life in the Americas.
}
Export Warship {
This 56gun warship is most likely a Dutch export purchased by the French or Spanish governments to bolster their navies, as their ship-building industries cannot keep up with current naval demand. The Dutch currently have the largest shipyards in the world and produce 80 percent of the world’s ships. This is not only to feed their own immense colonial demands (especially in the East Indies/Spice Islands), but also to profit from the ever-growing export market, freely trading fine merchant and war vessels to their own competitors. She has the best of everything. Fast, shallow draft, well armed and good cargo and crew space. Some of her type have been copied and are being built in Spanish shipyards as well by Catalonian and Flemish shipwrights. Although she sports Dutch lines, her decoration reflects her actual nationality.
}
Gunboat {
Gunboats are primarily river and harbor defense vessels that can also used by invading soldiers(or occasionally corsairs) for assault and raids on foreign settlements. She typically has a few small but powerful cannon mounted. Dangerous to use in any choppy water conditions, she is slow, has no cargo capacity, and has extremely poor sailing characteristics. In short, she is a mini-mobile gun platform and small troop transport – not a seaboat.
}
Hebek {
Hebek – This type of vessel first appeared in the Mediterranean and was actively used by Algerian and Barbary pirates for attacks on lone trading vessels. The Hebek is now largely outdated as a fighting craft but still useful in local coastal commerce. She is a smallish ship, but has clear advantages against the wind and in the shallows. Though far from her point of origin, she still makes a decent coastal smuggling craft wherever she happens to drift to.
}
Bermuda sloop {
A unique ship developed by pirates and privateers in the gunkholes of Bermuda during the 1680s-90s. Its small swift hull design and great sailing properties make the Bermuda sloop is a very effective recon ship. Good for coastal patrolling, smuggling, trade and “piratin”, between the islands of the northern Caribbean.
}
Lugger {
Lugger – a small ship, designed for transporting cargo. Although the lugger is modestly armed and crewed, she is an excellent choice for economical cargo or passenger transport. Many captains value the lugger for her speed and maneuverability. Her diminuative size makes her a risky choice for long distance journeys and she is much more at home along coastlines or between trading island chains.
}
Boeier {
The Boeier is a small vessel in common use around Holland and England, northwards into the Baltic. However, her stable design has found her increasingly making Atlantic passages into the West Indies with trading convoys. Her origins are uncertain and she is related to the Lugger, Hoy and Galliot. Designed as a tender and for transporting cargo, she is modestly armed and crewed. A good choice for economical cargo or passenger transport, her shortcomings make her a risky choice for long distance journeys. She is much more at home along coastlines or between archipelagos.
}
Caravel Redonda {
Like the Nao, you will rarely run into one of these old vessels these days unless she has been well maintained. She is the product of the late 15th century and the last of her breed would have been built a hundred years ago. She is Portuguese and was originally created for exploration and to transport goods on the transatlantic trade routes – and to & from the East Indies. She had a square rigged foremast and three following masts – each rigged with a lateen, for a total of 4 masts. Some experts consider this vessel the forerunner of the fighting galleons.
}
Nao {
This old Nao (Nau or Carrack/Kraak) is more of a relic nowadays left over from times past. She could be over a hundred years old. Though built sometime between 1480-1590 she is well maintained and a capacious, reliable cargo hauler. Others of her type are occassionally still seen in the Caribbean. John Hawkins used a larger version that was over 80 years old at the famous battle at San Juan de Ulloa. She may serve you well hauling goods, but with her slow lumbering speed, she’ll not be great in a fight these days. At one time there were thousands like her here.
}
Veinard Heavy Sloop{
The Veinard Guinea Pirate sloop is an infamous vessel. Designed by the crafty pirate captains of Bermuda, Madagascar and the Gold Coast, she is one of those rare craft actually made by pirates FOR pirates, constructed in their bustling “free” havens – So built rather than captured. She is larger & better armed than any other sloop afloat. She is as large & fast as any schooner or brigantine. Her appearance on the horizon spells doom if she outclasses you, because there is no escape. She will catch you and her large crew will board you.
}
Mirage {
The Levantine Ketch (sometimes known as a “bombarda”) is a small ketch rigged merchant ship directly descended from the first French and Dutch Bomb vessels developed in the 1670s/80s. Some say she is also influenced by the Turkish “Saike”(ketch with lateen mizzen). Used primarily in the profitable Mediterranean trade between France and the Levant, she is a little out of place here in the Caribbean – yet here she is. Armed better than most ketches or other ships of her size, she is not a bad ship for an up and coming captain – legitimately honest or cut-throat.
}
Yacht {
The Yacht is a small usually well appointed & luxurious vessel. She is primarily used for transporting important passengers in comfort, as well as carrying dispatches and orders between colonies and fleets. She may be well decorated, but is modestly armed and crewed. She cannot carry much cargo, but her speed could make her a good “get-away” vessel. Her fine woods and construction also means that she can be sold for a good price.
}
Cutter {
Armed cutters are built mostly for naval use by the English and to a lesser extent the Atlantic French ports. Along with the ketch, she is the smallest of unrated naval vessels displacing 50 to 80 tons. Mostly used for local patrols (customs & cargo inspections), she is different from the sloop with her single mast more centrally located and 50%-70% of the length of her sailplan-as well as multiple headsails & a running bowsprit shorter than the sloop’s. Good sailing properties and speed make her ideal for scouting, but she is lightly armed with only a small hold.
}
Ketch {
This Armed Ketch is typical of mid-17th century English design. She is 53 feet long and 80-120 tons. Her type has been around over a century and started out as channel fishing boats(hence “Catch” now Ketch). Nowadays her form has been modified for trading and naval use. As the smallest of unrated warships she is good in rivers and shallows and preceeds other 2-masters in design & purpose – scout, patrol, exploration and trade. *Historical note: Nonsuch, lanched in 1650 – 1st ship to open Hudson’s Bay to trade(1668). She returned in 1670 loaded with beaver pelts.
}
QuecheIberica {
This Armed Spanish Ketch or “Queche Iberica” is typical of small early to mid-17th century Spanish cargo vessels. Descended from the hardy 16th century “Urca” that served as tenders for offshore galleons, she now is considered a “Patache” in the south and a “Bilander” in northern waters. An evolving hybrid, she sports a much faster and modern 17th century experimental sail rig. At usually between 50 to 120 tons and armed with 16 guns, she is often more than a match for most other small Caribbean or Mediterranean vessels in her class. Now a common site in Spanish colonial ports, she has been adopted by pirates and merchants alike to carry out their endeavors. Because of her speed and unassuming form she is a favorite of smugglers.
}
Lyon {
The hoy is a small, stoutly built, lightly armed English or Dutch sloop-rigged coasting vessel of about 60 tons. She is used for freight transport and naval resupply. Thousands like her ply the English channel ports and the Caribbean, usually close to harbors or naval convoys. No one knows if she was first built by the Dutch or English, but both have been using her type since about 1500. The Dutch use her more for harbor support while the English use her primarily for water, powder and ballast resupply for naval convoys. *NOTE:Model is English “Lyon” built 1709.
}
Pink {
With its small hull and great sailing properties, the Cutter can be used as a small trade ship however she is better used for scouting since she is so fast and agile.
}
Lugger_h {
This Heavy Lugger (Probably English) is a dependable small trading craft. With her increased cargo capacity above many of her smaller sisters, She is ideal for fast cargo transport and more commonly smuggling. Although she is modestly armed and crewed, she is prized for her speed and maneuverability.
}
Galeoth_h {
The Galiot is a small Dutch freight hauler. She is mainly found in the North and Baltic seas. Primarily a coastal trading vessel, she is sea-worthy enough to make the occassional trans-oceanic passage. Many examples can be found in Dutch colonies around the globe. With only a meager armament for self defense, mediocre speed, a low free-board and an average cargo capacity, her only real advantage is a flat bottomed shallow draft hull ideal for trading among the shallow harbors of coastal and river ports. Not an ideal vessel, but one must make the best of things.
}
Sloop {
The latest in English design, the northern sloop with its sleek little hull, single mast, easy handling, and great sailing properties, makes this fine small vessel an effective post and scout ship – good for coastal patrolling, trading, smuggling, and of course – pirating.
}
Sloop2 {
The Advance sloop is popular with independent merchant traders and colonial island governments alike. Armed with larger cannon, of heavier construction, and able to carry more canvas than most of her sisters, she makes both an exceptable advance guard vessel for hunting expeditions, and an able transport for valuable private cargoes. A truly effective recon ship and coastal trading/patrolling vessel.
}
Balandra {
The Balandra is simply a Spanish Sloop derivative with older Catalonian and Mediterranean origins than her northern cousins. Although a somewhat obsolete design these days in comparison with her recently built English counterparts, she still has good solid lines with much to offer. Spanish shipwrights continue to build her even now. With a sleek rakish hull and great sailing properties she is a fast post and passenger carrier, as well as a fleet recon ship and coastal patrol vessel for the Spanish navy.
}
Shnyava {
A fast and capable Mediteranean designed Brigantine, this Spanish or French vessel’s sailing characteristics and roomy hold have made it one of the most attractive medium-grade trading ships and/or light military dispatch runners available.
}
Valciria Detch Experimental Snauw{
The Valciria (Valkyrie) is known as a very fast and maneuverable “snow” or “brigantine”. Her oppulent decoration belies that she was the once the property of a Dutch Admiral keen on experimenting with new sail plans and rigs. She actually boasts flying topgallants and some have even suggested that she once had canvas rigged from her new-fangled “boom”. How she ended up in her present location is a mystery. A valuable prize under any circumstances.
}
LuggerVML {
This sturdily built fast Lugger with its increased cargo capacity is ideal for transporting cargo quickly. Although luggers are typically not armed and modestly crewed, this one boast good armament for her size and can hold more men than her sisters. She is specially designed for speed and coastal trading and many captains value this particular type for her maneuverability and ability to sail in any wind.
}
Hannah {
This fine small schooner is fast, nimble and reliable with an efficient rig and safe freeboard. She is a miracle of current sailing technology and her kind have only been around for a few years. She is an excellent choice for merchants, pirates or privateers, and undoubtedly many more like her will be built in centuries to come. *Historical Note: Hannah was one of the first ships of the fledgling US navy. Purchased by General George Washington, she was refitted as an “armed” schooner to counter the depredations of British privateers and naval vessels.
}
ChasseMaree {
The “Chasse Maree” or Armed French Lugger is a faster better armed version of the common Lugger. With increasing piracy and letters of marque issued to hunt them, many merchant captains have modified common craft for more speed and armament in the hopes of cashing in on privateering prize money. Luggers are often good candidates because of a lack of better craft or necessary funds to obtain more suited vessels. This ship has good lines and can hoist much sail – a large common lugger converted to adventurous purposes of which her finer decoration attests to.
}
Hannah_p {
This fine small schooner is fast, nimble and reliable with an efficient rig and safe freeboard. She is a miracle of current sailing technology and her kind have only been around for a few years. She is an excellent choice for merchants, pirates or privateers, and undoubtedly many more like her will be built in centuries to come. *Historical Note: Hannah was one of the first ships of the fledgling US navy. Purchased by General George Washington, she was refitted as an “armed” schooner to counter the depredations of British privateers and naval vessels.
}
Brig3 {
An amazing and late breaking development – the old two masted Brigantine has been modified to carry a new fangled invention known as a “spanker” sail and “boom” in place of the more conventional and traditional “lateen” sail. With a sail like that much more wind power can be scavenged and much more control of the vessel can be achieved. Technology is an amazing thing and she is clearly the way of the future. Brigs in this time are extremely rare. Her versatile design could allow her to be used for trade or war. High speed and maneuverability make her amongst the most balanced vessels ever built.
}
PinnaceBerlin {
This war frigatte (OorlogsFrigat) was built sometime between 1645-1685. She is the forerunner of the later well known “flush-deck” frigates. She is an evolutionary step in the gradual development of the common armed Dutch pinnace morphing into the faster & better armed “frigate”. Her versatile capabilities have made her very popular in recent decades. She is often used as a trade vessel, but more often as a small warship or armed escort. Good speed, armament and maneuverability make her a well balanced vessel. Although Dutch, other nations use her as well. *NOTE: Model based on the Brandenburg PinnaceBerlin circa 1670.
}
brig_n1 {
An amazing and late breaking development – the old two masted Brigantine has been modified to carry a new fangled invention known as a “spanker” sail and “boom” in place of the more conventional and traditional “lateen” sail. With a sail like that much more wind power can be scavenged and much more control of the vessel can be achieved. Technology is an amazing thing and she is clearly the way of the future. Brigs in this time are extremely rare. Her versatile design could allow her to be used for trade or war. High speed and maneuverability make her amongst the most balanced vessels ever built.
}
English 6th Rate (Greyhound) {
This model is based upon HMS Greyhound which was a small early modern English “6th Rate” frigate design typical of those built from 1695-1725. Rarely used as a trading vessel in her prime, she more often filled the role of long range patrol or escort warship. Good speed, maneuverability, durability, and armament make her amongst the most balanced of vessels across the board. Her size gives her the ability to mount respectably sized guns, but their heavier weight can affect her maneuverability.
}
Small Merchant Schooner (Speedy) {
An amazing and late breaking development – the old two masted Brigantine has been modified to carry a new fangled invention known as a “spanker” sail and “boom” in place of the more conventional and traditional “lateen” sail. With a sail like that much more wind power can be scavenged and much more control of the vessel can be achieved. Technology is an amazing thing and she is clearly the way of the future. Brigs in this time are extremely rare. Her versatile design could allow her to be used for trade or war. High speed and maneuverability make her amongst the most balanced vessels ever built.
}
Barque {
Barque – a small sturdy ship constructed to maximize carrying space on long journeys. With its roomy cargo hold and decent firepower for it’s size, the barque is considered one of the best ships in its class. However, her bulky wide hull design sacrifices both speed and maneuverability, so she loses out over-all in sailing characteristics to her lighter and faster cousins in the same ship class.
}
Barque_L {
The Petit or Small Barque is simply a smaller version of the more common barque. As sturdy and reliable as her larger sisters, she still excels in trans-oceanic journeys in spite of her size. Cheap to build and with a roomy cargo hold for her size, she is considered a good choice for economical freight transport. However, her wide, simple “box-like” design makes her both slow in speed and sluggish to maneuver. This flaw coupled with a modest armament makes her very vulnerable to enemies or pirates if she is without escort. With luck, she could turn a tidy profit.
}
Schooner (Heavy Hooker) {
This Dutch designed heavy hooker is often referred to as a schooner. She is simply a naval version of this type of ship that is very well armed for her size. She exhibits the typical solid sailing characteristics and a roomy hold that have caused her kind to be built everywhere. She is a good light convoy escort or trading vessel. A few like her in a convoy could handily beat off most pirates.
}
ArmedSchooner {
The armed schooner has become more of a fast well armed hunter than a cargo ship in these dangerous times. She is common and has been modified in this way by captains interested in taking advantage of the fickle and shifting winds of war. Cargo hauler today….privateer tomorrow. Friends today….Prize money tomorrow. Nothing personal – It’s just good business.
}
Schooner2 {
Schooners are a new type of ship being built everywhere. This typical merchant example exhibits the ship’s known excellent sailing characteristics and a roomy hold. Perfect for those unable to afford a fluyt but prefer speed to cargo capacity. She offers modest armament and under the right merchant captain could turn a tidy profit.
}
Schooner_L {
This Schooner is a durable and capacious ship with fairly good speed and maneuverability – especially close hauled. Her low freeboard make her harder to hit by opponents, and lengthwise her tall sails allow her to approach to winward of the enemy ship allowing for sometimes advantageous control of engagements. Being somewhat inexpensive, she is a good choice for the less affluent captain.
}
Goleta {
The Mediterannean Goleta is widely used by Spanish and Italian traders and has been adopted even further east as well. On a similar evolutionary path as the schooner, Spaniards would tell you that the schooner was not a Dutch invention at all, but has its roots in the Spanish Goleta or Galeotta. The Goleta has become so widespread throughout the Med that she began making passages to the Gold Coast of Africa and then naturally to the Carribee to exploit the sugar and salt trades. Her freeboard is a little low but she is a fast nimble and reliable conveyance.
}
CorsairChebec {
You are looking at a thoroughbred vessel built on the southern coast of France. She has made her way into the Caribbean for one purpose only – piracy. She is the archetypal pirate vessel and perhaps a perfect corsair’s ship. She is fast, nimble, and well armed – sails well into the wind and of shallow draft. She can get herself out of trouble as fast as she gets into it. If she outclasses you – and you spy her bearing down upon you…..prey for deliverance or a miracle. If you own her, she may cause you to think about changing occupations – and even loyalties???
}
Xebec {
The xebec is a small fast Mediterranean vessel originally developed for trade. Over time she has evolved into a fast maneuverable military vessel good for coastal patrolling and trade. Often favored by corsairs, she has spread around the globe in piratical enterprises. Her low rakish profile coupled with a triple suit of large triangular lateen sails on three masts easily identify her. If she flies the black flag, be prepared to fight, because you will have a hard time outrunning her. Not the best choice as a cargo hauler, because she lacks the hold for it.
}
XebecLight {
The light Xebec is out of place in the Caribbean although she has been found here in increasing numbers lately because of troubling times. Not a good seaboat or cargo transport, she is an extremely capable and fast passanger and message post courier. Being able to sail in any point of wind direction and capable of using oars in no wind situations, she has become popular with pirates who capture her type whenever possible.
}
MarchandRapide {
The Marchand Rapide or Fast French Merchantmen is a demonstration of increasing French prowess among their young adept shipwrights – a testament of the rapidly expanding French ship building industry. Constructed in Bordeaux & La Rochelle, these ships were commissioned for the French West India company in the late 1660s and continue to evolve. The French shipwrights have not borrowed from foreign practice and the Marchand Rapide is a hybrid trading class ship with a sizeable hold, but designed for speed. With good firepower for her size, speed is her major defense as France does not possess the many well armed convoy escorts of her competitors. Because she is exclusively French-built only rich merchants and venture companies can afford her. Because of this she is quite a prize for both enemies or pirates.
}
Polacker {
The Polacker (Polacca, Polacra or Polacre) is an Adriatic ship in origin, most coming from the areas surrounding Venice. She is primarily a Mediterranean trader and if better armed sometimes an escort. Her kind is sometimes purchased by French or Spanish merchants. However, She is often favored by corsairs for her ability to escape into shallows as well as turn into any wind and lay a course in any direction. Occassionally her kind makes it to the Caribbean – although only a daring and skilled Captain would make the Atlantic crossing with such a low freeboard.
}
Polacre {
The Polacker (Polacca, Polacra or Polacker) is an Adriatic ship in origin, most coming from the areas surrounding Venice. She is primarily a Mediterranean trader and if better armed sometimes an escort. Her kind is sometimes purchased by French or Spanish merchants. However, She is often favored by corsairs for her ability to escape into shallows as well as turn into any wind and lay a course in any direction. Occassionally her kind makes it to the Caribbean – although only a daring and skilled Captain would make the Atlantic crossing with such a low freeboard.
}
Transporte Galleon (Felipe) {
The galleon is without a doubt the most versatile ship class in history. A descendant of the earlier nao, carrack and caravel, the galleon is a somewhat ungainly yet dependable vessel. This particular type is most often used as a workhorse in the Treasure Flotas (Fleets) to carry passengers and cargo/treasure. Usually slow, she makes up for this by being well armed and possessing a capacious cargo hold. Her hull type has served maritime nations for nearly three centuries. However, because of her slow speed she is often easy prey for real pirates and privateers. The Spaniards in fact have passed laws not allowing any galleon to travel alone.
}
Spanish Fast Galleon (Galeon_h21) {
The “Fast” galleon was designed to answer England’s “Race built” galleons. Both of these designs feature a fourth “Bonaventure” mizzen mast rigged lateen for more speed & maneuverability. Smaller than many of her sisters & with a much more refined bluff bow than most galleons, the Fast Galleon is indeed faster. Still with all galleons, she is large, sturdy, and multi-decked with a high dominant stern castle. Though smaller than most galleons she still boasts an impresive cargo hold and a wide beam making her a stable gun platform for a battery of 36 mounted cannon. Still in some use by the Spaniards, she’s a bit on the obsolete side these days.
}
Armed Spanish Patache {
Related to the caravel and urca, the Patache is a small dispatch, tender/resupply and cargo vessel for the Spanish navy. Once considered fast in the last century, that is no longer true these days and this vessel is quickly becoming obsolete – the latest versions often cut down and having only two masts. This particular variant was probably built around 1600, is three masted, and carries a sizable battery of ordinance for her size. The Spanish navy which is largely composed of slow moving deep draft galleons, is still very dependent on these little vessels for resupply.
}
Brigantine {
The brigantine is a small ship carrying both oars and sails. It was a favorite of pirates for its speed and mneuverability.
}
Brig {
An amazing and late breaking development – the old two masted Brigantine has been modified to carry a new fangled invention known as a “spanker” sail and “boom” in place of the more conventional and traditional “lateen” sail. With a sail like that much more wind power can be scavenged and much more control of the vessel can be achieved. Technology is an amazing thing and she is clearly the way of the future. Brigs in this time are extremely rare. Her versatile design could allow her to be used for trade or war. High speed and maneuverability make her amongst the most balanced vessels ever built.
}
Barkentine {
The barkentine is a merchant ship capable of carying larger amounts of cargo with a minimal crew. It is moderately armed for protection.
}
Brig_20_Gun1_18 {
An amazing and late breaking development – the old two masted Brigantine has been modified to carry a new fangled invention known as a “spanker” sail and “boom” in place of the more conventional and traditional “lateen” sail. With a sail like that much more wind power can be scavenged and much more control of the vessel can be achieved. Technology is an amazing thing and she is clearly the way of the future. Brigs in this time are extremely rare. Her versatile design could allow her to be used for trade or war. High speed and maneuverability make her amongst the most balanced vessels ever built.
}
CAT (English Fleut) {
This Cat is a type of Dutch “fluyt” which is built in the English manner – thus a CAT. The Cat has a little wider than usual deck and stern than most fluyts. Still a type of fluyt she is large & sturdy for long passages. She is no warship & relies upon her modest armament & escorts for protection. A workhorse of trade in the North Atlantic she is a solid hauler. With a large rounded bulbous bottom, her appearance on the horizon is unmistakeable. Few equal her with regards to immense cargo capacity to manning ratio. She requires only a handful of crew to efficiently operate. Many have been sold as exports to England, France and the Baltic nations. England has in fact completely copied the cat and made this version her own.
}
DutchFluyt {
The latest in Dutch “fluyt” design and a little larger and sturdier than most of her sisters sold in export. Excellent and safe on long sea journeys, she is still no warship. She relies upon her modest armament of cannon and warship escorts for protection. A workhorse of Dutch trade in the Atlantic she is a solid hauler (with timber, fishing and whaling variants) Having a large rounded bulbous bottom and stern, her appearance on the horizon is unmistakeable. None equal the Fluyt in her immense cargo space to minimal manning ratio. She needs only a handful of men to efficiently operate.
}
BattleXebec {
The battle xebec is a reinforced warship with only one purpose in mind – speed in battle. The xebec started as a Barbary corsair craft and was soon adapted for use in the Spanish and French Mediterranean navies. The French have made her their own and she is often found as a convoy escort.
}
Armed Spanish Urca {
Often misidentified as a caravel by northerners, this ship is actually an armed Urca. Once known as “hulks/holks” to the English, these sturdy supply ships have evolved into many forms and indeed borrow some design cues from the caravel and galleon. This vessel is an evolving hybrid combining features of the patache with those of the urca – and as a result of the times, armed with an impressive battery of ordinace as well. Sturdy, reliable and good in a fight, her only drawback would seem to be her speed. Although her design has already been long surpassed by northern shipwrights, (she is quickly becoming obsolete) she can still be widely found as coastal resupply and patrol vessels in service to Spanish colonial naval flotillas as well as loyal Spanish merchant captains.
}
FleutOfWar34G {
The fluyt of war is big, sturdy and well armed. Many have been sold in export from Holland to France and then pierced and fitted for ordinance in the service of the Merchande Marine and independent French traders. Even though typically a trading ship, this fluyt variant can often be found as a French convoy escort, troop transport, or passenger ship. France unable to build enough warships to support its expanding global trading interests relies upon the Fleut of War to fill this gap. Few ships can measure up to her in terms of simple operation and cargo capacity.
}
Guineaman {
Likely built in Bristol, she is typical of medium burthen English merchant ships built between 1685-1725. Thousands like her plyed the worlds oceans and she has often been given the name “Guineaman” because she was a favored ship in the slave trade. With her armament of 16 guns all on the main deck, she had tons of space for cargo(human or conventional). She was widely copied by other nations and many were sold to France as exports. Blackbeard’s famous ship the “Queen Anne’s Revenge” was a captured guineaman pierced for guns on the “slave deck”. She would’ve looked very similar.
}
EnglishPinnace {
This Armed English Pinnace of 500 to 600 tons was built in the 1650s. Similar to Dutch examples – but with an English pedigree (1587 – 1st ship built in Chatham), she exhibits clearly English design changes and flair. Smaller than most Dutch examples she is just as fast or faster. English traders prefer this design for medium and sometimes long range freight transport. She is often pressed into naval service as an escort, courier or patrol vessel. The EIC, London Co. and Hudson’s Bay Co. have sent many of her round the globe – she has a reliable reputation of usually returning.
}
Heavy Dutch Pinnace {
This 17th century Heavy Dutch Pinnace or “Zware Pinasschip” is a larger example of this class – between 900 to 1000 tons. Thousands like her roam the oceans bringing Trading Companies – such as the powerful VOC and WIC – and private burgher investors/owners, vast profits in trade. Although not technically a warship, she boasts a heavy construction, can be well manned, and is capable of mounting heavy guns – qualities which often press her into naval service. She is faster and more maneuverable than the galleon with a hold as large. Often found in convoys with warship escorts.
}
Pinaza {
This Biscay Pinnace (or Spanish Pinaza) of about 900 tons, is clearly influenced by Dutch designs – but her decoration belies her origins of Northern Spanish and Southern French Biscay port cities. Mostly built in Bilbao, Santander, San Sebastian, Bordeaux, and La Rochelle, she is a workhorse of trade, carrying New World goods back and forth between French and Spanish possessions in the West Indies to home ports in the Bay of Biscay. She is often used as a slave or sugar trader. She’s no warship, but can be well manned and mounts 18 heavy guns. Not fast-but reliable.
}
Merchantman {
This Heavy 26gun Merchantman was built recently in the 1660’s along Dutch lines. Right around 1000 tons, she is probably Dutch-built – or a copied Spanish example. Indeed Flemmings make up a good percentage of contemporary Spanish shipbuilders these days and have brought Dutch practices and style to Seville and Cadiz for the last thirty years. Spanish dockards build ships to support both domestic demands and a growing export market as well – especially to the French. In any case, her ornate decoration attests that she is not the property of just any trader, but a rich merchant or guild. She is a fine balanced and sturdy ship with a good battery and capacious hold.
}
Pinnace11 {
This medium or “midden” class Dutch built “pinasschip” of 500-700 tons is a common mid-17th century design that is seen everywhere these days. She is faster and more maneuverable than her cousin the galleon. She boasts a capacious hold for her size and is both reliable and sturdy. She is favored in the long sea voyages of global trade and often found in convoys with frigate or warship escorts. She can be well manned and mounts decent sized guns – reasons she is often pressed into naval service. She is a sturdy “all purpose” ship sometimes even used by black-hearted cutthroats.
}
Pinnace3_50 {
The pinnace is a 17th century Dutch design that is seen everywhere. Although Dutch designed, the English build them as well. They vary in size from very small to quite large. This particular example is of the larger variety at 900 to 1200 tons. She is faster and more maneuverable than the galleon. She boasts a capacious hold and is both reliable and sturdy. She is now favored in the long sea voyages of global trade and often found in convoys with frigate or warship escorts. She can be well manned and mounts good sized guns – reasons she is occassionally pressed into naval service.
}
Galeon {
A smaller older Galleon built between 1595 and 1640. Thousands of examples of her kind still survive. Her sturdiness and reliability coupled with good maintenance still make her a good economical cargo hauler in spite of her age.
}
Old Spanish Carracca {
This old War Carrack (or Carracca de Guerra) is a more of a relic from times past than a serious modern warship. However with the King of Spain devoting all modern War Galleons for protection of the Treasure Flotas, and the Armada of the Ocean patroling from Cadiz to the Azores (protecting incoming treasure fleets and dealing with Dutch, English and Barbary Pirates), these old warships are still in service for protecting the many ports of New Spain. The last of her kind were produced in the Biscay ports the first decade of the century, so none have been built in over 50 years. She was the premiere warship of the 15th and half of the 16th centuries until the War Galleon upstaged her. She is ungainly, horrible in bad weather and extremely slow. Her ordinance is often obsolete even though she can still mount an impressive array of guns. She is suited to her new purpose of coastal defence in that she can house hundreds of soldiers and she is extremely durable.
}
DutchGalleon {
This small Dutch Galleon was built between 1600-1635. Thousands of her were built for trade and war. Many were sold as exports to other countries. Even though she is fairly typical of the galleon form, several uniquely Dutch characteristics still make her very valuable to coastal merchants even now. She has the standard large cargo capacity of the galleon, but with a shallower draft for inland river trading. She is also sturdier than most of her foreign sisters – able to take immense punishment.
}
Galleon Legero {
The Galeon Legero or “Swift Galleon”, is a slightly lighter and faster version of the full sized heavy (Pesado) galleon. Weighing in at around 800 tons she boasts a more modern rig than most of her sisters. Even though her type are dying out in favor of more modern vessel designs, she is still heavily relied upon by the Spaniards both in naval and commercial applications. With thousands of her type built, she has been sold in export to many Mediterannean trading cities and to the French as well. Faster and more maneuverable than most conventional galleons, she still boasts a large cargo hold and can be heavily armed and well manned.
}
FlemishGalleon {
The Flemish Galleon was built for long distance trading ventures by groups of wealthy private investors. In former times many were built for export to Spain and occassionally used for war when necessity called. Found alone or in small convoys she is identifiable by the rich decoration ordered by her owners. Even though now over fifty years old she is still formidable. Armed with fifty-four guns and a sizable crew she is larger, sturdier, and faster than most of her Spanish cousins because of a superior hull design. If she is homeward bound, there are likely to be riches aboard.
}
Old English Galleon {
This sleek old galleon was the apex of the English “race-built” galleon designs. Faster than most of her contemporaries she was a fine Merchantman or Warship in her time. Sir Richard Grenville was famous for using a galleon of her type to hold off fifty-three enemy Spanish galleons alone while the rest of the English fleet successfully escaped. (Hence the famous poem The One and Fifty-Three) She is a little aged now still sporting an obsolete four-masted rig. Less and less of her type are seen these days with the last of her kind being built over fifty years ago.
}
PO_Fleut50 {
This armed fluyt is heavier built than the standard Dutch variety. Still used mostly by the Dutch and many purchased by the French, she is designed to carry more guns and crew for defense rather than relying upon escorts. She is also commonly used to transport passengers and colonists. Don’t underestimate her in a fight. She is a solid dependable vessel.
}
Fleut2 {
This armed fluyt is heavier built than the standard Dutch variety. Still used mostly by the Dutch and many purchased by the French, she is designed to carry more guns and crew for defense rather than relying upon escorts. She is also commonly used to transport passengers and colonists. Don’t underestimate her in a fight. She is a solid dependable vessel.
}
Corvette {
The corvette was designed as a highly-armed, yet light and fast vessel. Trade-offs being trade-offs, corvettes have a more lightly constructed hull. Still, they are able to keep up with more nimble vessels as well as trade broadsides with heavier ships. As a rule, the corvette is used for patrol and escort missions.
}

The corvette was designed as a highly-armed, yet light and fast vessel. Trade-offs being trade-offs, corvettes have a more lightly constructed hull. Still, they are able to keep up with more nimble vessels as well as trade broadsides with heavier ships. As a rule, the corvette is used for patrol and escort missions.
}
Heavy French Corvette {
This French built heavy corvette is well armed, yet still a light and swift vessel. Trade-offs being trade-offs, this ship has a fairly weak hull, yet is able to keep up with light vessels and trade blows with heavier ones. As a rule, a ship such as this is used for patrol and escort missions – or for the illicit black hearted practice of piracy.
}
SloopofWar {
The SloopofWar is a 22 gunner Sloop, perfect for carrying more cargo than mosts ships in its class. The Sloop Of War is a favourite of the pirates because of her speed and agility.
}
French merchant Corvette {
This adapted French merchant vessel has been outfitted for battle by corsairs and is now more akin to a corvette. The French “corvair” could be a swift corvette-like merchant vessel, or one that was purpose built for patroling and constructed spcifically for this purpose exclusively in French shipyards. She is fast and well armed. You wont see many of her like.
}
XebecAS {
This particular Xebec is a reinforced Mediterannean warship of Spanish or French design. She is better armed than most ships in her class with 26 guns, yet she’s every bit as fast as her sisters. This ship is commonly used for coastal patrol both in Spanish and French Med and Caribee ports. She is also a popular craft among corsairs.
}
Privateer Corvette {
This meagerly appointed and austere, fast, nimble, French designed privateering corvette has a single purpose alone – to catch and take prizes.
}
Fleut4_50 {
This armed flute is big and sturdy. Originally designed for trade in the North Atlantic, Baltic and Biscay ports, this one has been modified for longer sea journeys to the East and West Indies. Modified by independent Dutch merchants or by the French Merchande Marine, she mounts 30 guns and possesses more billetting space for passengers and soldiers. With that kind of armament she is often used as an escort in French convoys because they often lack the necessary numbers of warships to support their expanding trade. She is also used to transport passengers and colonists.
}
Castelf {
This Heavy Dutch pattern brigantine design is typical of mid-sized northern European heavy traders – utilized from the mid 17th century to the mid 18th century. She is versatile – spacious, durable and VERY well armed for her class. Naval captains, merchants, and corsairs alike are all equally proud to command this fine vessel. A little on the expensive side, she is fairly typical of craft like her depicted in thousands of contemporary paintings. Note:Model is the Castel Fredricksburg built in German State of Brandenburg in the late 17th century.
}
Neptunus {
This Dutch or Flemish designed Privateer is a fast and nimble northern European coastal cargo and escort vessel of the late 17th, early 18th centuries. At a time when there were no brigs, she filled this crucial position as an armed escort and agressive privateer with a sloop of war rig. Upgraded with heavier guns and hybrid sailing rig, she could get out of trouble as quickly as she got into it.
}
Neptunus2 {
This Dutch or Flemish designed Privateer is a fast and nimble northern European coastal cargo and escort vessel of the late 17th, early 18th centuries. At a time when there were no brigs, she was classified as a sloop of war and filled this crucial position as an armed escort and agressive privateer. Upgraded with heavier guns and hybrid sailing rig, she could get out of trouble as quickly as she got into it.
}
Light Corvette {
This light Corvette was designed as a highly-armed, yet light and fast vessel. Trade-offs being trade-offs, corvettes often have weaker hulls. However, they are able to keep up with swifter vessels and trade blows with heavier ones. As a rule, the corvette is used for patrol and escort missions.
}
Patrouille Frigatte {
This vessel is an early Danish pattern Frigate of 1690-1720 heavily influenced by French design. Her type is favored by the French and Spanish who have purchased many for coastal patrol and escort duty. With the threat of her impressive armament of 32 bronze guns, most targeted vessels will heave-to or surrender before facing such a formidable pursuer.
}
XebecVML {
The Arcadia Xebec is the largest, most heavily armed, and fastest of all French Mediterranean War Xebecs. Built to defend Levant grain convoys and scout ahead for trouble, these heavily armed Xebecs occassionally make it into the Carribean to deliver important passengers, couriers, messages and precious cargoes. They usually don’t stay for long. A great prize for corsairs if they can manage to snag one, it is a most ideal craft for preying on lightly armed and crewed merchantmen.
}
Old Dutch Handelsschip(Batavia) {
This old style armed Dutch trader” or “Handelsschip” was built in the 1620s/30s She may be old, but many of her type still roam the sea lanes. Smaller than her newer sisters, she can still carry impressive loads on long sea voyages to the East and West Indies. Slower than most newer ships, she makes up for it with impressive armament for her class. In her day, large merchantmen (or Indiamen) often doubled as warships. Popular these days with independent merchants, the Dutch West India Company still owns many of these lumbering but well maintained oaks in the Caribbean. Don’t underestimate her.*NOTE: Model is roughly based on the VOC ship Batavia built in 1628.
}
Armed English Merchantman (TheBlackPearl) {
An English designed armed merchant ship built in the 1670s-80s for the British East India Trading Company. Her type is very versatile and also often favored by both independent traders and privateers. Faster than most merchantmen she is also well armed. Although she’s a merchantman, she’s more than a match for many smaller warships.
}
JamaicaShip {
This fast and maneuverable early pattern English frigate of about 1660, is built by the local shipwrights from the dockyards of English colonial Jamaica. Launched from Port Royal, she is highly desireable for her good sailing characteristics combined with significant firepower. She is widely used by the English throughout their western possessions to patrol their coastal waters and protect settlements from pirates.
}
Armed English Trader (BlackPearl) {
A fast and maneuverable ship for her class, this armed English trader built sometime in the 1670s-90s is versatile and sturdy which is what her owners and designers had in mind. The medium English pattern merchant-galleon sillouette is often a feared and dreaded sight to behold because this ship is often favored by both pirates and privateers. She possesses excellent speed for her class, good sailing qualities and impressive firepower. For many unwary enemies, their first encounter with her is often their last.
}
Linefrigate {
A French or English 40 gun 4th rate built in the mid 1690s, this ship is an evolving two deck frigate design. Almost a 5th rate, her two gun decks and larger sized ordinance raise her classification to 4th rate. Sometimes referred to as an “Ordere Troisieme” in the French navy, she’s a workhorse, serving as both escort and scout – bringing important passengers and dispatches to far flung destinations. She is fast, heavily built, well armed and reliable. Her decoration displays that she belongs to a King and a professional navy. A squadron of these formidable frigates can crush a fort and plunder a city.
}
Heavy Merchantman{
Unlike the Man-O-War, these merchant work horses of commerce (with the exception of the plate fleets) were usually less heavily armed and often were the property of private merchant ventures or government sanctioned enterprises. Pirates and privateers were more inclined to go after weaker vessels such as these merchantmen, than to take on more heavily armed and manned warships. The idea was to get rich – not get killed. However, fully manned and upgraded with heavier guns, merchantmen could often surpise predators and even turn the tables on them.
}
Large Dutch Fluyt {
A common Dutch designed and built fluyt of northern Europe. These ships were typically lightly armed and known for being able to transport large cargoes with very little crew. They spread throughout the globe by the middle of the “Golden Century”. NOTE: This model is based on the 17th century fluyt Derfflinger which belonged to the fleet of Kurfuerstentum Brandenburg and plyed the “triangle trade”. She transported rum and other common goods to west Africa to buy slaves, who were exchanged in the West Indies for sugar, which was then brought to Europe completing the triangle.
}
Galeon Pesado {
This “Galeon Pesado” or heavy galleon is an aging but reliable warship design still used for trade and war in the French and Spanish fleets. With large cannon, a solidly built hull, and the ability to billet a huge crew, she is a reliable bulwark of defense, carrying any cargo or escorting any convoy. Her slow lumbering speed and high aftercastle can make her ungainly in rough weather. Speed being her primary disadvantage, the Spaniards have passed laws making it illeagal for her to travel alone.
}
War_Pinnace {
The War Pinnace is a massive warship. With large cannon, a solidly built hull, and ability to billet a huge crew, she is a reliable defense, carrying any cargo or escorting any convoy.
}
FleutOfWar {
The French unable to build enough warships to defend their expanding trading interests have purchased and converted many of the larger Dutch Fleuts into well armed independent traders and convoy escorts. Often called a “Fleut Of War” she is occassionally seen in the service of other nations as well. France often simply purchased or contracted ships of other nations to accomplish trade and resupply. Without the ability to provide as many escorts as the Dutch or English, the French prefer to better arm their cargo carriers for self escort. Don’t underestimate her. She can be a hard nut to crack.
}
Spanish War Galleon {
This large Spanish War Galleon is based on the famous “San Martin”. A massive and outadated old warship built in the mid-late 1500s, her durability and size still finds her in use with the Spanish navy in providing harbor defense in numerous Spanish New World colonies. She can also occassionally be found defending coastal convoys. Originally built as a high seas cruiser designed to cross oceans to project and protect Spain’s far flung imperial interests, she is seen less and less on the open seas these days. With a deep draft V-hull, LARGE ungainly turning radius, thick solid framing and planking, heavy armament and the room to house large crew complements of sailors and soldiers, she is typical of the largest galleons of the day. She would have formerly seen duty as a “Capitana” or “Almiranta” (fleet/flota flagship), a foremost leading and protective vessel in large treasure fleets or flotas. She is still a reliable defense for any cargo.
}
French Fast Galleone {
The La Licorne is a medium French naval warship of superior design. Unlike many of the ships King Louis XIV imports from other countries, La Licorne is all French. She has the best of everything. Bluff bow and sleek design for speed and 52 large cannon for armament. She boasts a solid hull, and can accomodate a sizeable crew, making her a both a reliable and versatile ship for trade or war. Her rig is superior to other similar ships of her type and design with easily handled top-gallants. Enemies respect her appearence on the horizon and Pirates can only hope to capture such a prize.
}
Fifty Gun 4th Rate {
The Fifty Gun Warship is an evolved design necessary for the needs of expanding naval powers. Classified as a large 4th Rater by the English and an “Ordre Seconde” by the French, she in many ways is their answer to the Dutch Fregatte designs used around the world as escorts. This example from about 1685 exhibits many design features typical of English fifty gun “Fourth Raters” of the time. She was a workhorse, taking important passengers and dispatches to far flung destinations. She served as a convoy escort and a scout for larger naval squadrons. She is fast, well armed and reliable. She is the platform that a whole next generation of ships would be based upon. Her decoration still clearly shows that she belongs to a King and professional navy, but is not so extensive as that found on her larger sisters. Graceful, beautiful, and if you are her enemy – terrifying.
}
French Ordere Seconde{
The French Fifty Gun two decker is an evolved warship design necessary for the needs of expanding naval power. Known as the 4th Rater by the English and the Ordere Seconde by the French, she in many ways is their answer to the Dutch Fregatte designs used around the world as escorts. This example from about 1685 exhibits many design features typical of French fifty gun “Ordere Seconde” ships of the time. She was a workhorse, taking important passengers and dispatches to far flung destinations. She served as a convoy escort and a scout for larger naval squadrons. She is fast, well armed and reliable. She is the platform that a whole next generation of ships would be based upon. Her decoration still clearly shows that she belongs to a King and professional navy, but is not so extensive as that found on her larger sisters. Graceful, beautiful, and if you are her enemy – terrifying.
}
Royal Fortune {
By some odd twist of fate (luck or possibly fortune?), floating here before you lies Bartholomew Robert’s infamous pirate frigate “The Royal Fortune”. Rumored to be the fastest frigate classed ship in the world, its hard to tell from all of her extensive modifications where she was originally built -French Dutch English- who knows? She is armed with forty-two extremely large cannon – and her wide deckspace can accomodate hundreds of crew. With a heavy warship construction and a huge hold for her size, she is perhaps the perfect ship for operating solo in any violent enterprise of destruction.
}
Dutch 20gun Frigate (Postillionen) {
A light, early Dutch pattern 20 gun “fregat” or Oorlogsfregat. An evolving frigate class hybrid that mixes several desireable strengths of both warships and scout class vessels combining speed and firepower. She can be found as a scout class ship in both the Dutch and French navies.
}
6th Rater (Fregates_Legeres) {
A light, early English and/or French pattern 20 gun frigate of about 1690. The English labelled her a 6th Rater and the French – “Fregates Legeres”. She was a continually evolving hybrid that mixed several desireable strengths of both warships and scout class vessels combining speed and firepower. Commonly used as both a patrol ship and convoy escort, She would soon come to be known as a “corvette” to the French – and a Frigate to the English in just a few short decades. An almost perfect pirate ship – if she can be taken.
}
36 Gun Frigate {
The Rossiya was the last of the first generation Russian frigates that Peter the Great commissioned in the first two decades of the 18th century. Finished in 1728 she was highly influenced by Dutch, French, and English ship design and practice. Her builder was an Englishman. Her transom is indicative of the French style of the era. She is fast and well armed and would make a good choice as patrol ship or escort. Pirates covet her and will do anything to obtain her to carry out their blackhearted schemes.
}
English Great Bark (Mermaidgrief) {
The “Great Bark” is an old and obsolete English cargo and transport ship that was used for one purpose only – carrying immense amounts of cargo. She was accompanied by warship escorts in the early days of the Guinea and London Companies to carry great amounts of cargo and slaves. She does have the ability to mount decently sized guns but is still usually utilized as a cargo transport with heavy warship escorts. Although pirates have taken great barks in the past they usually abandon them in short order because of their lack of speed.
}
DutchFrigate {
This ship is a versatile hybrid developed over decades of war with Spain. Fast, agile, with excellent sail handling characteristics and maneuverability for its size, she is a workhorse of both trade and war typical of thousands built between 1640 and 1690. Many VOC and WIC convoys count on dozens of these reliable warships for both carrying cargo and escort. The Dutch Frigate boasts both a powerful battery of cannon for defense and a shallow draft to work into the typical shallows of many Dutch port cities as well as Holland’s numerous far flung eastern trading posts and colonies. Often copied, but rarely successfully, Dutch shipwrights are often called upon to build like ships for many foreign nations.
}
HollandFrigate {
The Holland Frigate is just slightly weaker than her stronger cousin the Dutch Frigate. This ship has more utility toward trade than war and is often sold off to other European powers(primarily France) as an export. She is a versatile hybrid developed over decades of war with Spain. Fast, agile, with excellent sail handling characteristics and maneuverability for her size, she is a workhorse of both trade and war typical of thousands built between 1640 and 1690. Many VOC and WIC convoys count on dozens of these reliable warships for both carrying cargo and escort. The Dutch Frigate boasts both a powerful battery of cannon for defense and a shallow draft to work into the typical shallows of many Dutch port cities as well as Holland’s numerous far flung eastern trading posts and colonies. Often copied, but rarely successfully, Dutch shipwrights are often called upon to build like ships for many foreign nations.
}
VOC Escort Ship {
Dutch East India Company (VOC) escort “Frigates” are middling sized warships with adequate fire-power & decent speed. Though mounting up to 40 guns, they are usually larger 24 pounders. Acting with others of her type, she is formidable in convoys. She also has advantages in a flatter bottom and superior hull shape for speed & traversing the many shallow areas in both far flung colonies & the many Dutch home ports on rivers and canals. She mounts no bow chasers, but has six respectable sized guns astern allowing for excellent convoy defense and escape.
}
Frigate {
A standard frigate class warship of the last decades of the 17th century. Used by most of the European navies, the fast and maneuverable frigate is desired by many for its good sailing properties and its impressive firepower. A squadron of frigattes can easily destroy a fort and loot a city.
}
Light Frigate {
This fast and maneuverable French frigate design was an experiment sponsored by Admiral Colbert himself a few decades ago. Only a handful of these ships exist. Possessing solid sailing properties and stable firepower, she is the forerunner of many more modern such ships. Her rich decoration belies her special status as a Royal experiment.
}
French West Indiaman {
A large French West Indiaman built around 1700-1720. A purely commercial ship belonging to the French West India Company she is virtually identical to her East India sisters. She is well armed so that she can travel alone but is also often found in convoys. Generally operating under charter or license to any of the East or West India Companies of the major European trading powers, she is designed to carry both passengers and great quantities of goods while possessing the capability to defend against piracy – this a unique and special class of ship. Slow, dependable and well armed, she will get the job done…just not right away mind you.
}
English 5th Rater (Unicorn) {
This English Fifth Rater is based on the HMS Unicorn, a 28-gun Lyme-class frigate of the Royal Navy. She was originally ordered as a 24-gun ship to the draft of the French privateer Tyger. The third vessel of the Royal Navy to bear the name. The Unicorn, as well as HMS Lyme which was a near-sister, were the first true 18th century frigate class vessels built for the Royal Navy.
}
Atlantic Merchantman (Sirius1) {
An aging armed merchantman of Dutch or English design that’s probably seen years of service in the Atlantic or East Indies. Well maintained and well armed she is still a valuable cargo hauler for independent traders or ventures in the transport of passengers and goods with the ability to defend against enemy ships and pirates.
}
56gun Navire de Guerre {
This fine French Warship of about 1700, or Navire de Guerre mounts 56 heavy cannon. Not the fastest ship, she can hold her own in any battle line and can carry hundreds of men. Her massive firepower makes her a very dangeous foe.
}
Zevenprovincien {
This 92 gun Dutch Man O War is often used as a fleet flagship in the Dutch Navy. Only about 15-20 of her kind were ready at the beginning of the 2nd Anglo-Dutch War. The largest native built Dutch ships of the Golden Age, they are faster & more maneuverable than their English counterparts & were designed specifically to do battle with English capital ships. Built as part of DeWitt’s 1660 new navy plan, their only downside is not possessing a full upper gun deck – so have fewer guns than their English equivalents. However, they make up for this with larger 36 pounder bronze guns versus the English 32 pounders – many of which are inferior iron guns. Model is based on DeRuyter’s famous Zeven Provincien which had one of the most illustrious careers in history.
}
English 3rd Rate Warship (Mordaunt) {
This 58 gun English Third rater of about 1680 is an excellent example of the Restoration Era warship. With fine lines, heavy timbers, large guns and beautiful decoration, she is a fast moving, hard hitting work of art on the water. Nearly a fourth rate her size and the fact that she could mount more armament make her a third rater. Launched at Deptford, dozens like her make up the backbone of the Royal Navy around the globe.
}
Dutchlineship {
Heavy Dutch third rate warship used for both convoy escort and making up a core essential component of the Dutch Confederate Fleet. With heavy firepower and a durable hull she is flatter bottomed than most warships and is both faster and can get much closer to shore as a result.
}
Dutchlineship2 {
Heavy Dutch third rate warship used for both convoy escort and making up a core essential component of the Dutch Confederate Fleet. With heavy firepower and a durable hull she is flatter bottomed than most warships and is both faster and can get much closer to shore as a result. She more than equals the warships of other nations in matters of fire power and hull strength.
}
Dutch Zestig Gunner (LineShip) {
This Dutch 60 gun warship (or zestig gunner) is a second rater in the Dutch Navy. These ships make up the backbone of the Dutch Navy and can be found both in naval squadrons and escorting East and West India Company convoys.
}
Warship {
This huge, aging French ship-of-the-line was built in the 1640s but still presents itself a terrible force on the ocean. Armed with the mightiest and longest-range guns to protect France’s interests, it can stand up to any ship on the sea and can easily destroy shore fortifications.
}
English 2nd Rate Warship {
A powerful 2nd rate English Man of War of the Pre and Early Restoration Era. Upon her three decks she mounts eighty-two 32pound guns. Her hull is built of solid oak and is almost impenetrable from common round shot. Unfortunately, her huge size and displacement limits her use to the largest marine battles and the bombardment of forts. She has a deep draft and is slow for her class. She is indicative of the Royal Navy ship Naseby built in 1655(later HMS Royal Charles). Her type saw lots of action against the Dutch during the Anglo-Dutch Wars.
}
Almirante Galleon (Neptune) {
The Almirante Royal Galleon is employed in the service of both the Spanish and French crowns and can often be found as the flagships of Colonial Governor’s Caribbean fleets.
}
French Flagship (Couronne) {
This large older French war galleon was built in the 1630s and is based on La Couronne. She was built in accordance to Richelieu’s plans to renew the French Navy, after a series of ships built by the Dutch. The Couronne took part in the siege of Hondarribia in 1638, and another expedition to Spain in 1639 under Henri de Sourdis.
}
66gun Second Rater (Poseidon) {
This 66 gun second rater is favored by both the French and to a lesser extent the English. The model is the POTBS Poseidon and is more indicative of French design and practice. She is based on – and very similar to the French warship LeFleuron. Designed to be as fast as possible for her size, her real attribute is durability and sheer firpower. She is typical of large warships built at the end of the Golden Age and would have been new on the scene about 1695-1725.
}
English 64gun 3rd Rate (Centurion) {
This English 64 gun third rater is reminiscent of ships designed after the convention of the 1719 Establishment at the very end of the Golden Age. The model is based on the HMS Centurion, a 64-gun fourth rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, built at Portsmouth and launched in 1732. Centurion was layed down in 1719 on the 1706 building convention, but was changed midway to conform to the 1719 Establishment/naval standard convention. As such her construction took unusually long because of extensive modifications. For puposes of the GOF Eras Mid-Era mod she is classified as a 3rd rater because her class falls into that size/rating for the 17th century.
}
French Battleship {
This two decked French battleship is the latest innovation of French ship building and is a progression of the newer cut down fore and after castles – but with even larger and more heavily reinforced hulls. Huge and unwieldy, she carries a formidable battery of 80 heavy cannon and is manned by an enormous crew.
}
English Battleship1 {
The battleship is a progression of the warship: bigger, and even more well-reinforced. Huge and unwieldy, it carries a few batteries of heavy cannons and is manned by an enormous crew.
}
Heavy Northern Trade Galleon{
The Heavy Trader is a large well armed trading ship favored by both the English and French. With the ability to mount large guns, possessing a solid hull, and able to accomodate a sizeable crew, she could be a warship if necessary or God forbid…a formidable pirate vessel. She is quite frankly a product of the constant warfare among European powers and overkill as a transport – she offers a VERY reliable defense of any carried cargo.
}
Manowar {
The man-o-war is the mightiest vessel born of man. Amongst its three decks it holds a hundred heavy cannons, and its hull is nigh-on impervious to projectiles. Unfortunately, its huge size and displacement limits practical use to large naval battles and fort bombardment.
}
English 96gun 1st Rate (Trinity) {
This 96 gun English 1st rater is based on the mighty flagship of the Danish navy, The Christianus Sixtus, and is typical of English 1st rates of around 1700. She reflects the shifting favor towards the English warship lines over the Dutch – which were in favor for most of the 17th century. She is typical of English MOWs/Capital Ships/Ships of the Line of the late 17th/early 18th century. Her massive size and impressive armament of 96 guns of the largest contemporary size (32/36 pounders) make her more than a match for anything afloat in her generation. Able to accomodate almost a thousand men she can project military force anywhere. However, her ungainly size, slow handling and speed make her vulnerable to multiple attackers if she is left without escort.
}
French Royal 1st Rater (SoleilRoyal) {
This French Royal Flagship is based on the Soleil Royal (Royal Sun) – a French 104-gun ship of the line, flagship of Admiral Tourville. She was built in Brest between 1668 and 1670 by engineer Laurent Hubac, was launched in 1669, and stayed unused in Brest harbour for years. She was recommissioned with 112 guns and 1200 men when the Nine Years’ War broke out in 1688 as the flagship of the escadre du Ponant (squadron of the Ponant).
}
Spanish 1st Rater (SanFelipe) {
This royal ship of the line of about 1690 is built in the French fashion, but the Spaniards build them in this manner as well. The model is based on the San Felipe built by the King of Spain in 1690, the San Felipe was Spain’s most majestic fighting ship. She fought valiantly in the wars against France. Armed with 108 cannons.
}
SoleyRu {
A royal line ship, first class: horrifying firepower, mixed with a refined hull and inspiring sailing properties. A grand ship for the ages.
}
Flyingdutchman {
The Flying Dutchman is a dreaded supernatural galleon cursed to wander the seas because of unspeakable acts. Her captain is rumored to be the Dutchman Heindrick Vanderdecken or Bernard Fokke who supposedly made a pact with the devil for unearthly speed between Java and Amsterdam.
}
Old Dutch Warship (dutchship) {
An aging Dutch warship developed in the 1640s. Derived from the galleon and sometimes called a “Retourschip”, she would have been one of the largest Dutch warships built in her day and still boasts great durability and an impressive battery of large guns. Eight aft cannon alone disuade pursuers. A little on the slow side, she still more than equals many of the warships of other nations in matters of fire-power and hull strength.
}
Seawolf (BrigSW) {
This fine corsair brig is almost brand new. Built by the master shipwright Alexus of Bermuda himself, she is an odd looking creature. Known as the Sea Wolf she scowls agressively forward with an intimidating wolf’s head as figurehead. She is a hybrid sporting all of the new and desireable characteristics of the new brig class ships. In addition she is wonderfully fast, agile and can carry an impressive array of armament and sizeable crew. The perfect ship for a small time corsair captain trying to make a name for himself – or for someone “on the run”.
}
DutchPinnace {
This (early to mid) 17th century light Dutch pinnace or “licht pinasschip” is widely used around the globe. The Dutch use them everywhere as both traders and raiders. She is sturdy, relable, and fast with an excellent cargo capacity and formidable armament for her smallish class. This versatility makes the small “pinasschip” prized among pirate captains. Thousands have been built and they seem to be everywhere. Mostly in use by the Dutch, pinnaces see regular duty as private and company merchant vessels, privateer/pirate ships, and small naval warships.
}
Warship1 {
A large warship of this type is built and intended as an intimidating deterent and defense. In the event that combat occurs she is designed to take immense punishment while launching devastating broadsides upon her enemies in return. Warships are built in a completely different way than merchantmen with much thicker oak frames/ribbing which are spaced very close together. Because of this often they cannont carry as much cargo for their size because there is not a great deal of room aboard. One must also consider the large crews needed to operate these ships and the stores of ammunition and victuals as well. Warships of this type usually belong to a professional navy, though on rare occassions they have been known to be operated by individuals or by trading companies
}
Zabra {
The Zabra is a type of very small fast galleon similar to the Northern European pinnaces. The Spaniards have been using Zabras for many years now for exploration – replacing the old caravels in scouting, river transport and trading. Zabras always accompany Treasure Fleets(Flotas) and War fleets as both scout vessels and dispatch couriers. Catalonian in design she equals any Flemish ship in terms of speed. Often built for the King of Spain himself, who favors them for communication to the Indies due to their reliability. Also noted to be well armed, King Phillip uses them to move treasure when the Flotas are under threat by enemies or have been crippled by storms – sometimes delaying their return to Spain for a year. Displacing only 250 to 500 tons max, the King dispatches them in fleets of 3 to 12 when engaged in quick treasure transport.

[Author]

Posts