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$190.00
Xebec ships were similar to galleys primarily used by Barbary pirates, which have both lateen sails and oars for propulsion. Early xebecs had two masts while later ships had three. A Xebec featured a distinctive hull with pronounced overhanging bow and stern, and rarely displaced more than 200 tons, making them slightly smaller and with slightly fewer guns than frigates of the period.
These ships were easy to produce and were cheap, and thus nearly every corsair captain (Raïs) had at least one xebec in his fleet. They could be of varying sizes. Some ships had only three guns while others had up to forty. Most xebecs had around 20-30 cannons, and the overwhelming majority had swivel guns equipped.
After the 18th century, galleys became increasingly outdated and xebecs became the preferred ships of Barbary pirates[8] thanks to their heavy and effective use of wind power, reduced need for slaves to row, ability to carry more cannons than a galley, and overall cheapness, speed, and maneuverability.
Xebecs were generally faster than contemporary ship types until the introduction of steamships.
Corsairs built their xebecs with a narrow floor to achieve a higher speed than their victims, but with a considerable beam in order to enable them to carry an extensive sail-plan. The lateen rig of the xebec allowed the ship to sail close hauled to the wind, often giving it an advantage in pursuit or escape. The use of oars or sweeps allowed the xebec to approach vessels who were becalmed. When used as corsairs, the xebecs carried a crew of between 90 to 400 men.
The use of square rig among pirates was initially rare, although after the 1750s a mix between lateen and square rigs became much more widespread.[10]
Amati’s Xebec kit features wood and metal fittings, diagrams and instructions.
This kit does not come with tools, glue, paint or display accessories.
Scale: 1:60 Length: 72 cm
Xebec ships were a type of sailing vessel that originated in the Mediterranean region during the 18th century. These ships were known for their unique design, which consisted of a three-masted, square-rigged ship with a distinctive curved bow and a flat stern. The name ‘xebec’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘shabbak,’ meaning ‘small warship.’ These ships were primarily used for trade and military purposes, and were popular among Mediterranean countries such as Spain, France, and Italy.
One of the most notable features of xebec ships was their versatility. They were designed to be fast and agile, making them ideal for navigating through the narrow and shallow waters of the Mediterranean. This was achieved through their shallow draft and the use of a triangular lateen sail on the foremast, which allowed for better maneuverability and speed. Additionally, xebecs were equipped with both oars and sails, giving them the ability to navigate in calm or rough waters.
Xebecs were also known for their impressive firepower. They were often armed with a combination of cannons and swivel guns, making them a formidable opponent in battle. These ships were used for both offensive and defensive purposes, playing a crucial role in protecting trade routes and engaging in naval warfare. Due to their small size and maneuverability, xebecs were also used for piracy, with the notorious Barbary pirates utilizing them to great success.
In terms of design, xebec ships were a marriage of Eastern and Western influences. Their curved bow and flat stern were inspired by the galleys used in the Mediterranean, while their square-rigged sails were a nod to European sailing vessels. This unique combination of design elements gave xebecs a distinct appearance that set them apart from other ships of the time.
However, despite their popularity and usefulness, xebecs did have their drawbacks. Their small size and shallow draft made them vulnerable to bad weather and rough seas, and they were often considered less stable than larger ships. Additionally, their triangular sails were not as efficient as the traditional square sails used by other European ships, making them less suitable for long-distance voyages.
In the late 18th century, the popularity of xebec ships began to decline as newer, more advanced vessels were introduced. However, their legacy lives on, with modern replica xebecs being used for historical reenactments and traditional sailing events. The unique design and cultural significance of these ships make them an important part of maritime history, and their impact can still be seen in ships and sailing techniques used today.
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$190.00
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