The Sloop of War is a Dutch designed fore-and-aft-rigged vessel equipped with one or two square sails before the mast. Essentially a slightly larger version of the sloop, the sloop of war is extremely fast and exceptionally maneuverable - better than almost any other ship in light winds. Under oars it can move directly into the wind. A sloop of war has a shallow draft, allowing it to sail over shoals with no risk.
Like its smaller cousin the sloop, the sloop of war makes an excellent pirate vessel. Many Royal navies deploy these vessels as escort ships and pirate hunters.
The Sloop of War is the middle ship in the sloop class. The Sloop is the smaller variant, and the Royal Sloop is the larger vessel. |