The Ship
The xebec is not a single design of ship, but rather a family of small vessels. Essentially, it is a development of the galley with a narrow hull, and prominent beak or head, perhaps derived from the ram, and outer platform
extending over the rudder aft of the ship. Low in the water, it had no tumble home. It usually carried three masts, all lateen rigged, although occasionally the fore and main masts might be ship rigged (square sails).
Xebecs carried small cannons on the main deck and were fitted for oars. Highly maneuverable, the design was suited for boarding other ships with ease. A favorite tactic was to find a square-rigged ship becalmed, row out in front where the ship’s guns did not bear, then anchor and blast away at leisure. This style of ship was frequently used by the Barbary pirates and other sailing interests in and around the Mediterranean and also by European continental powers on a limited basis. The last of the pirates were cleared from the ocean by the British and French in the early 19th Century. Descendants of the xebecs still can be found hauling cargo along the North African coast.
The Model
Plank on frame construction by an unknown builder
Scale: ¼” H 31 ½” L 46 ¾” W 19 ¾”