Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:23:32-2:24:05

How small sailing warships were rated

Two small vessels with twelve and eighteen guns would both remain unrated brigs, though hull form and purpose might support a more specific label such as yacht.

Age Of SailBrigsGun BrigsSailing WarshipsShip Ratings
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Question

How would small sailing ships armed with twelve or eighteen guns be rated?

Short answer

Both would be unrated brigs of some type; the exact label would depend on rig, hull form, and purpose.

Notes

Both proposed vessels fall below the formal rated-ship system despite carrying twelve or eighteen guns. They are broadly brigs, although that is only the beginning of the classification. Rig, hull form, and purpose could support a more specific description, including a yacht in the right configuration. Gun count alone cannot determine the type of a small sailing warship.