HMS Excellent

HMS Excellent
Rating: 3rd Rate Ship-of-the-Line

Class: Wenden

Date of Commission: 4th June, 1722

Current Captain: Scott Burnett

Guns: 84 Guns (76 with 8 Swivels)

Crew: 650 Souls

Status: Currently at Sea

History: Laid down in March 1722 at the dockyards of Turtling Bay, the Excellent was completed and launched on May 28th 1722. After under-going several days of sea trials, she was finally commissioned into his Majesty's Navy on June 4th. Under the command of Captain Scott Burnett, the Excellent was sent to the Western Caribbean (edges of the Gulf of Mexico) with orders from the Commander-in-Chief of the Jamaica station 'To intercept all French and/or Spanish naval and merchant traffic; sink, burn or take her a prize'. Her most notable action was at the Battle of the Sisal Straights (Mid-August 1722) where the HMS Excellent destroyed a total of 8 Spanish Ships-of-the-Line taking minimal damage upon herself. On the 28th August, Captain Burnett was recalled to England to take up an administrative role at the Admiralty in London. Before his departure, the Excellent was placed in 'Ordinary' (in reserve) she was stripped of guns, her mast was taken down and was covered over by sheets to help preserve the framework in which she remained for several months. On December 17th 1722, she was brought out of reserve and was made seaworthy ready for her new captain, Ian Watts, with Captain Burnett arriving back in the Caribbean a few days after. After Marshal law was ceased in Guyana, Captain Burnett requested to be transfered back to the Excellent and remain stationed in the Caribbean - It was accepted, and Capt Watts was transfered to command various shipping in the Bahamas. December 27th, the Ship became part of the St George Squadron of the White, where she continues in her old place of patrolling the Straights at Yucatan.

Notable Actions

 * Notable Actions in which the ship has partaken.