Calypso class spéronare

Updated on Oct 11, 2024

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Operators French Navy Lost 2		Completed 2 Class and type Calypso class

Name Calypso-class spéronare Builders Pierre-Charles Dupin, Corfu

The Calypso-class consisted of two spéronares constructed at Corfu, one in 1812 and one in 1813. The two vessels, Calypso and Nausicca, appear to have been highly similar, and Nausicca was described as fast both under sail and oars.

Calypso

Launched 17 August 1812, and named for Calypso of Greek mythology.

On 6 January 1813, the boats of HMS Bacchante and HMS Weazle captured five armed French vessels sailing from Corfu to Otranto to convoy the payment for the troops on the island. The British stated that the French resisted, but the British suffered no casualties. The five were:

Calypso, one 12-pounder, and 50 men under the command of enseigne de vaisseau de Luce;

Salamine, one 9-pounder, one 6-pounder, and 36 men under the command of enseigne de vaisseau Benenquier;

Indomptable, one 14-pounder gun, one 6-pounder, and 36 men under the command of enseigne de vaisseau Eyffren;

Arrogante, one 14-pounder, one 6-pounder, and 40 men under the command of officier de flotilla Baffert; and

Diligente, one 14-pounder, one 6-pounder, and 36 men under the command of aspirante de 2ème class Ballot.

The British captured all but Diligente, which sank. The subsequent court martial ordered all five commanders barred from command for three years.

Nausicaa

Launched April 1813, and named for the Homeric character Nausicaa. The British seized her in June 1814 at Corfu.

References

Calypso-class spéronare Wikipedia

(Text) CC BY-SA

Contents

Calypso

Nausicaa

References