In the Downs

In the Downs. In the last years of the 18th century, the Royal Navy commissioned a new experimental type of sloop. They were not successful. Only 6 were made by Hobbs and Hellyer. HMS Dart and  HMS Arrow were the largest of the six. They were designed for width over length, with structural bulkheads and sliding keels. Perhaps the most unusual feature was that they were virtually double-ended, meaning a bow at the stern, as well as the front.

HMS Dart 1796, was a 28-gun sloop of war. She was captured by the French in 1798 and recaptured by HMS Apollo in 1803. She then became the 1803 HMS Dart. She was broken up in 1809.

HMS Arrow 1796, was a 24-gun sloop of war. She participated in many actions. She was captured by the French in 1805 and sunk almost immediately.

My portrayal is of one such vessel, in the Downs, off the east Kent coast. She is moored with other vessels of the Royal Navy and a fleet of merchantmen waiting to sail with wind and tide.