HMS Phoebe

H.M.S. Phoebe
Rating: Fifth Rate Mastercraft Frigate

Class: Conquistador Mastercraft Fifth Rate Frigate

Date of Commission: October 10, 1722

Shipyard: English Harbor Master Dockyard, 10 October 1722.

Keel laid down February 3, 1722 based on the design established by the Surveyor of the Navy for Deptford Dockyard. Ship was altered on the stocks and after launch to match the requirements for the new St. George class Fifth Rate frigate developed within the Caribbean Station for specialized combat duties. Commissioned on 10 October, 1722, HMS Phoebe is undergoing ocean trials and testing under the command of Captain Sir John Allday.

Guns: 44

Crew: 375

Status: Undergoing Sea Trials off Port Royal

Background:
While originally based on the 'Conquistador' class Fifth Rate 40 Gun Frigate, this Mastercraft version has 4 additional guns and carries a total of 10 8 pounders on the quarterdeck and 30 14 pounders on the main gundeck. The Mastercraft variation features heavier planking than the standard version Conquistador frigate. Late in the construction of the HMS Phoebe, instructions were delivered to the English Harbor Master Dockyard in St. Johns to make some additional modifications and outfittings to modify the ship to fit the specifications of the St. George class Fifth Rates.

These modifications, defined by the Admiralty, enhance the survivability of the ship by increasing hull planking and 'armour' in addition to undertaking modifications to the running rigging to increase the manueverability of these ships over a standard 'Conquistador' or 'Conquistador Mastercraft' Fifth Rate frigate. Finally, each of the cannons have been specially forged to provide higher levels of accuracy at all ranges than those on the standard frigate or mastercraft variation.

These modifications were made without any delays in the fitting out of the newly launched frigate and HMS Phoebe was assigned to Captain Sir John Allday for accelerated sea trials.

These sea trials have included several limited wargame actions against other St. George class vessals being tested within the St. George Squadron of the White. These trial engagements have accelerated the final fitting out of the ship as well as provided Captain's within the Squadron to develop tactics to match the advantages and capabilities of the St. George class frigates.

Engagements:
None as of yet, still undergoing shakedown trials and skirmishes.

British Captains:
1722-Present: Captain Sir John Allday, KCMG, DSC, MC

Port Battle History
None as of this date