French Xebec Model Boat Kit – Sergal (795)

Description

French Xebec Model Boat Kit

French Xebec ships were Mediterranean sailing ships, used mainly for trading, due to their speed and capacity. These ships had a distinctive hull and overhanging bowsprit. The bowsprit, the part that extends out the front of the ship, was designed to be longer in order to extend the reach of the headsails, allowing for greater speed and maneuverability.

Early Xebec ships had two masts, but this was later increased to 3. The first mast from the bow ran parallel to the keel, allowing the sail to catch wind on either side and therefore give the ship more speed.  This type of design was referred to as an aft-set mizzenmast.

Designs across Xebec ships varied slightly. Polacre-Xebec ships, seen in the early 18 and 19^th Centuries, used a square rig on the foremast, lateen on the others and two headsails. Earlier Xebec ships, also known as Felucca, used only lateen sails, so this is an example of a small difference between the two designs. This particular model ship kit has the sails rolled down, so it is difficult to determine which of the two designs it replicates. However, one design that remains consistent across the different types is the overhanging bowsprit, which can be seen clearly in the above replica. Equally, the three masts suggest that this is a later developed Xebec, either using all lateen sails or lateen with square.

The speed and maneuverability of the Xebec ships, along with their displacement of 200 tonnes and capacity to carry a fair few guns make them ideal corsair ships. Algerian Corsairs and Barbary Pirates commonly used them. However, the French Navy also used them as well; below are some examples.

• Ruse, 160 tons, 18 guns
• Serpent, 160 tons burthen, 18 guns
• Requin, 260 tons burthen, 24 guns
• Indiscret, 260 tons burthen, 24 guns

This ship model kit of the Xebec is manufacturer by Mantua Models, who use laser cut technology to accurately replicate a whole variety of historical ships. If you are interested in buying this kit or have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.