The Forgotten Fleet - US Navy Fighting Sail 1815-1860

[Dobbs]

The thing is, comparing sailing ships from 1815-1860 to our ships is like comparing Jackie Fisher's battlecruisers to pre-dreadnoughts.

Post-Napoleonic ships had rounded sterns to better withstand rakes. The elaborate beakheads disappeared, replaced with a more practical foredeck, but not nearly as stylish. They had diagonal bracing so they could be longer without the extra decks. Their broadsides were guns that could fire exploding shells. Against these shells, the wooden walls would turn out to be paper thin. Steam tugs were soon available for coming and going from harbor if need be.

[Bligh]

The thing is, comparing sailing ships from 1815-1860 to our ships is like comparing Jackie Fisher's battlecruisers to pre-dreadnoughts.

Post-Napoleonic ships had rounded sterns to better withstand rakes. The elaborate beakheads disappeared, replaced with a more practical foredeck, but not nearly as stylish. They had diagonal bracing so they could be longer without the extra decks. Their broadsides were guns that could fire exploding shells. Against these shells, the wooden walls would turn out to be paper thin. Steam tugs were soon available for coming and going from harbor if need be.

A very moot point Dobbs.
Rob.