INDISCRET……..

The year 1750 was a time of great change. The Mediterranean, or "middle sea" was no longer the centre of the known world. The traditional powers, Spain in the west and Turkey in the east, were in decline. The Knights of Malta, who had held the central basin, were becoming impotent while the North African Ottoman outposts in Algeria, Tunis and Morocco were becoming more powerful. Tunisian slavers were raiding as far as Devon and Cornwall. Merchant shipping east of Gibraltar was frequently under attack as were coastal communities anywhere from Cartagena to Cyprus.

France was resurgent after years of decline and the "Indiscret" class was put into service in 1750. A rig similar to that favoured by the Barbary pirates enabled her to close the range before being recognised and to sail as well or better than the enemy which would not have been the case with conventional European sailing craft. Ships of this class would have been based in forward ports such as Mahon, Palermo and Syracuse to allow rapid deployment in cases of pirate activity. Their cruises were short, 5 days or less, so crew accommodation and facilities were minimal. The short Mediterranean sailing season has light to moderate weather with stable wind patterns unlike the winter with cold gales and sudden storms.

The elegant and slender hull would have enabled her to be efficiently rowed in calm weather and while entering or leaving port. Her crew would have all been skilled seamen, topmen and gunners both, unlike the pirates who largely relied on slaves for manpower. The name has continued in the French navy until recent days.

If you're interested in purchasing this model ship, please email sales@csms.org.au.