Historical Background
The term “frigate” originated in the fifteenth century, referring to Mediterranean ships with oars, sails, and light armament. It later evolved through the 17th century to describe long, small warships with light armament, though they often had larger than average crews. While Petite Frégates are not as big as 5th or 6th Rates, they often had two decks.
As time passed, the English began to use the term “frigate” to generically refer to fast ships. In French, the term “frigate” became a verb, meaning “to build long and low,” and an adjective, adding further confusion. [1]
The Petite classification was applied to the shorter, smaller ships carrying 14-24 guns. As they continued to develop over the years they evolved into longer, low-profile vessels which led to the advancement of broadside warfare.
Petite Frégate Ship Analysis
| Attribute | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maneuverability | 83% | ||||
| Speed | 75% | ||||
| Durability | 43% | ||||
| Firepower | 38% | ||||
| Brawling | 50% |
Petite Frégate Overview & Tactics
This is one of the cheapest ships with a Fortitude of 2. With Fast, this ship can get to a Speed 4 without needing a Seamanship or Crew action. Adding Weatherly makes this ship among the most maneuverable in the game.
There are three ships in this size bracket: a Fluyt, Petite Frégate, and 6th Rate – each has its own specialty. With its High Freeboard, the Fluyt better protects the crew from Fatigue. The Petite Frégate focuses on speed and maneuverability. And the 6th rate focuses on firepower and the options to increase its durability for ranged combat.
Pros
- Fast allows it to change speeds without Actions
- Sweeps give it even more speed to close on enemies
- Yare allows this ship to turn more tightly than a Fluyt or 6th Rate which are the same point cost
- Inexpensive ship with Fortitude 2
- With Yare included and Weatherly as an optional upgrade, this ship can rival the Maneuverability of ships half its size.
- With a Close Combat of 2, Yare & Fast it is an excellent option for boarding in 50-100 pt games.
Cons
- The ship is sturdier than the smaller 3 ships but still can’t go toe-to-toe with the largest Ships of the Line.
- The ship lacks the Broadside firepower of a 6th Rate
- Doesn’t have the ability to take Stout and improve its durability.
- N.A.M. Rodger, The Command of the Ocean—a Naval History of Britain, 1649-1815 (London, UK: Allen Lane, 2004, ISBN 978-0713994117).
Product Referral Links
Oak & Iron Core Box
The Core Box contains 1 of each of the following models: Sloop, Corvette, Brigantine, Fluyt, Petite Frégate, Light Galleon
Gentlemen of Fortune Expansion Set
This Expansion Box contains 1 of each of these ship miniatures: a Sloop, Corvette, and Petite Frégate