HMS Typhoon

Overview
Rating: 5th rate

Class: Raa Mastercraft-class fifth-rate frigate

Shipyard: Quilliam's Yard

Launched: March, 1720

Status: Laid up in drydock

Armament
Total Guns: 36

Topdeck: 14 x 5lbs

Gundeck: 22 x 9lbs

Broadside Weight: 134lbs

Crew: 195

Commanders
Current Captain: -

Previous Captains:

April 23rd, 1721 - June, 1721: Captain Castor

March, 1720 - May 3rd, 1720: Captain Collister

Notable Actions
April 27th, 1720: Engaged pirate Lemmy Koopa, of the Loose Cannons society, during a cruise off St. John's with Captain Cornelius Kipper. The action consisted of a long-range exchange of bar shot, as Koopa (in command of a vastly heavier ship) refused to close in for combat. Pirate put his helm to the wind and escaped after a long chase.

Ship History
The Typhoon was launched from Quilliam's yard in March, 1720. Her armament may seem rather light, and indeed, she carries only five- and nine-pounders. But these cannons are easier to reload than larger bulkier guns and as such she can keep up a devastatingly high rate of fire with well-trained gun crews. Due to their light weight, these cannons are most effective at close range and this, combined with her high speed, makes the Typhoon an excellent frigate. She is fast enough to quickly close on enemy vessels and deliver three broadsides a minute.

Captain Collister had her from her launch to May 3rd, 1720. With her Captain Collister cruised mainly off Bridgetown sinking the numerous lesser pirate vessels in those waters. Under his command she also partook in a minor action off St. John's. However, Captain Collister eventually moved on to larger ships and the Typhoon was laid up in drydock.

She remained laid up for almost a year before being relaunched and given to Captain Castor. Captain Castor commanded the vessel for a couple of months, during which he mainly engaged enemy patrol vessels, before moving on to heavier commands.