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8.0 Statistics on Ships of the Napoleonic Era


Use this data to simulate historical ships of the era. All data given can be specified on variables pages 1, 2 and 3 (in some cases you will be forced to round off values). Boarding casualties are not specified because they are always 1.00 X standard. Ships in British service were divided into categories known as rates. First rate ships were ships with 100+ guns, second rate 90-98 guns, third rate 64-89 guns, fourth rate 50-60 guns, fifth rate 32-44 guns, sixth rate 20-30 guns. Rates one through four were called ships of the line and fifth rates were called frigates. In this rating system, carronades were not taken into consideration. Also, ships usually carried more guns than they were rated for. For the ships of other countries, the equivalent British number of guns is given. Battles between frigates were the most common single ship battles. See the end of this section for some historical battles.

8.1 BRITISH SHIPS
British built ships were really average in quality as the figures below reflect. The British crews and officers as a whole were superior and one of the main reasons why "Brittania ruled the waves." Another reason for their superiority was that British ships were generally kept in good condition and repair. British crews were also good at repairing damage during battle keeping the ships working as excellent fighting machines. The British rate of fire was almost twice as fast as any other nation's, but for game purposes, in most cases you will probably want to set the loading time for both players fairly equal.

Historical notes: British crews should be given a rate of fire that is 50-75% of the rate of fire given for the ship. British crews should not be allowed to fire chain shot.

 GUNS 
 NUM  TYPEFIRETURNSPEEDSHOTHULLCREWSNIPER%
FIRST RATE
100+5  24lbC3:004:302.4kn1.0011587515%
  21    12lb 
  14    24lb 
  15    42lb 
 
SECOND RATE
985  18lbC2:304:302.4kn1.0011075015%
  20    12lb 
  15    18lb 
  14    32lb 
 
THIRD RATE
805  18lbC3:303:302.6kn1.008565015%
  12    9lb 
  13    18lb 
  13    32lb 
745  18lbC2:303:302.6kn1.008565015%
  9    9lb 
  14    18lb 
  14    32lb 
645  18lbC2:103:002.6kn1.008565015%
  6    9lb 
  13    18lb 
  13    24lb 
 
 GUNS 
 NUM  TYPEFIRETURNSPEEDSHOTHULLCREWSNIPER%
FOURTH RATE (FRIGATES)
605  6lb2:102:402.9kn1.006548015%
  13    12lb 
  14    24lb 
503  12lbC2:102:202.9kn1.006042015%
  3    24lbC 
  12    12lb 
  11    24lb 
 
FIFTH RATE (FRIGATES)
444  18lbC1:502:202.9kn1.00553008%
  3    6lb 
  11    12lb 
  10    18lb 
364  32lbC1:501:503.1kn1.00453008%
  4    9lb 
  1    12lb 
  13    18lb 
323  24lbC1:401:303.4kn1.00403008%
  3    6lb 
  13    12lb 
 
SIXTH RATE (FRIGATES)
283  24lbC1:301:203.4kn1.00352008%
  2    6lb 
  12    9lb 
243  18lbC1:301:203.4kn1.00352008%
  1    24lb 
  2    6lb 
  11    9lb 
204  12lbC1:301:103.4kn1.00302008%
  10    9lb 

8.2 FRENCH SHIPS
French ships had better sailing qualities than the British but were often in poor condition. The crews were definitely on the whole inferior to the British with the rate of fire being about twice as slow as the British. The figures below reflect the qualities of the ships and the amount of crew the French put on each ship. If you want to compensate for the quality of French crews, increase the rate of fire considerably up to twice, increase the turning speeds about 10%, and lower the shot damage to .80. The reason the shot damage is set at 1.10 is to reflect the fact that the French shot was actually heavier than the equivalent sized British shot. In the game you probably will want to play with crews much better than the French actually were. Feel free to do so.

Historical notes: French crews should be given a rate of fire that is 100-150% of the rate of fire given for the ship. Increase turning speed by 10%.

 GUNS 
 NUM  TYPEFIRETURNSPEEDSHOTHULLCREWSNIPER%
12014  8lbC2:505:202.3kn1.10140109830%
  17    12lb 
  17    24lb 
  16    36lb 
11010  8lbC2:504:402.4kn1.10125103730%
  16    12lb 
  16    24lb 
  15    36lb 
803  42lbC2:503:302.6kn1.109584015%
  9    12lb 
  16    24lb 
  15    36lb 
742  42lbC2:503:102.6kn1.108569015%
  8    8lb 
  15    24lb 
  14    36lb 
 
FRIGATES
402  42lbC1:501:503.1kn1.10503308%
  6    8lb 
  14    18lb 
382  42lbC1:501:403.1kn1.10453208%
  6    8lb 
  13    18lb 
362  42lbC1:401:403.1kn1.10453008%
  5    6lb 
  13    12lb 
322  42lbC1:401:303.4kn1.10402758%
  3    6lb 
  13    12lb 
283  42lbC1:301:203.4kn1.10352008%
  1    6lb 
  12    8lb 


8.3 AMERICAN SHIPS
Without question the Americans had the best quality crews and ships of any nation of the period. They just didn't have many of them. The figures below reflect typical American ships. You will note that the frigates are far superior to those of any other nation. Americans employed a higher percentage of carronades on many ships than other nations. There were four 74-gunners made at the end of the War of 1812 that never saw action and were not as good as other American ships. The shot damage is set at .90 because American shot was inferior (some would just break apart in flight), and generally weighed less than the rate of the guns that fired them. If however you want to take into account the superior accuracy of most American crews you might want to raise shot damage to 1.3 or higher to reflect the greater number of hits.

Historical notes: American crews should be given a rate of fire that is 50-75% of the rate of fire given for the ship.

 GUNS 
 NUM  TYPEFIRETURNSPEEDSHOTHULLCREWSNIPER%
7412  32lbC2:103:002.9kn0.9010080030%
  16    32lb 
  15    32lb 
 
FRIGATES
4411  32lbC1:501:503.4kn0.908047015%
T.1 15   24lb 
4410  42lbC1:501:503.4kn0.907047015%
T.2 15   24lb 
3810  32lbC1:301:403.6kn0.90653408%
  14   18lb 
3610  32lbC1:301:403.6kn0.90603408%
  13   18lb 
323  18lbC1:101:303.4kn0.90553288%
T.1 20   32lbC 
323  18lbC1:101:303.4kn0.90503288%
T.2 13   12lbC 
282  6lbC1:201:103.4kn0.90402208%
T.1 12   12lbC 
283  6lbC1:201:103.4kn0.90402308%
T.2 12   12lbC 
2413  12lbC1:201:003.4kn0.90402008%
2010  9lbC1:300:503.6kn0.90302008%
182  12lbC1:400:503.6kn0.90301508%
  8   24lbC 


8.4 SPANISH SHIPS
These are included mainly to give you a selection of different ships. The Spanish navy was in terrible condition and corrupt at the highest levels. In addition to that they spent most of their time in port. The crews as a whole were of a very poor quality, definitely inferior to the French. The figures below reflect ship qualities and not crew qualities.

Historical notes: Spanish crews should be given a rate of fire that is 125-175% of the rate of fire given for the ship. Increase turning speed by 10-20%.

 GUNS 
 NUM  TYPEFIRETURNSPEEDSHOTHULLCREWSNIPER%
13618  8lb2:505:202.3kn1.00130100530%
  16    12lb 
  16    18lb 
  15    32lb 
1109  8lb2:504:402.4kn1.0011088815%
  16    12lb 
  16    18lb 
  15    32lb 
8012  42lbC2:504:002.4kn1.009585615%
T.1 5   8lb 
  16   24lb 
  15   36lb 
809  8lb2:503:202.6kn1.00806568%
T.2 16   18lb 
  15   36lb 
744  24lbC2:103:102.6kn1.00756238%
T.1 5   42lbC 
  14   24lb 
  15   24lb 
748  8lbC2:103:002.6kn1.00755458%
T.215   18lb 
  14   24lb 
646  8lb2:102:402.9kn1.00654748%
  13    18lb 
  13    24lb 
 
FRIGATES
406  8lb1:501:403.1kn1.00402818%
  14   18lb 
344  8lb1:401:203.4kn1.00352408%
  13   12lb 
2010  8lb1:300:503.6kn1.00301308%


8.5 SHIPS STORED ON THE GAME DISK*
*New feature in Apple 2.0 version

 GUNS 
 NUM  TYPEFIRETURNSPEEDSHOTHULLCREWSNIPER%
LEVEL 1.
VICTORY (BRITISH)
 1  68lbC2:203:202.6kn1.0011083630%
  15    42lb 
(plus 2.00 X standard
  21    12lb 
boarding casualties)
vs.
CONSTITUTION (AMERICAN)
 1  68lbC2:203:202.6kn1.0011083630%
  15    24lb 
(plus 2.00 X standard
          
boarding casualties)
 
LEVEL 2.
CONSTELLATION (AMERICAN)
 10  24lbC1:502:003.4kn1.004832015%
  14    18lb 
vs.
LA VENGEANCE (FRENCH)
 4  32lbC1:502:103.1kn1.105454715%
  16    18lb 
  7    12lb 
 
LEVEL 3.
CLEOPATRA (BRITISH)
 5  24lbC2:001:403.4kn1.00502208%
  16    12lb 
vs.
VILLE DE MILAN (FRENCH)
 10  8lbC1:301:503.6kn1.206636815%
  13    18lb 
(plus 2.00 X standard
          
boarding casualties)
 
 GUNS 
 NUM  TYPEFIRETURNSPEEDSHOTHULLCREWSNIPER%
OPTION A.
SYBLLE (BRITISH)
 7  32lbC1:301:403.1kn1.104537015%
  3    9lb 
 
  14    18lb 
 
vs.
FORTE (FRENCH)
 4  32lbC1:501:503.1kn1.00603708%
  7    7lb 
 
  15    24lb 
 
 
OPTION B.
AMBUSCADE (BRITISH)
 4  24lbC1:301:203.4kn0.80352208%
  16    12lb 
 
vs.
BAIONNAISE (FRENCH)
 1  42lbC1:301:203.4kn1.203532015%
  3    6lb 
 
  12    8lb 
 
 
OPTION C.
CONSTELLATION (AMERICAN)
385  12lbC1:201:303.8kn0.90603208%
  14    24lb 
 
vs.
L'INSURGENTE (FRENCH)
383  32lbC2:201:403.6kn1.10504208%
  4    6lb 
 
  12    12lb 
 
  12    18lb 
 
 
 GUNS 
 NUM  TYPEFIRETURNSPEEDSHOTHULLCREWSNIPER%
OPTION D.
CONSTITUTION (AMERICAN)
4411  32lbC1:301:503.4kn0.907042015%
  15    24lb 
 
vs.
GUERRIERE (BRITISH)
444  18lbC1:402:103.1kn1.10502708%
  3    6lb 
 
  12    18lb 
 
  11    24lb 
 
 
OPTION E.
UNITED STATES (AMERICAN)
4410  42lbC1:302:103.1kn0.907047015%
  15    24lb 
 
vs.
MACEDONIAN (BRITISH)
444  32lbC1:401:303.0kn1.00503208%
  2    12lb 
 
  13    18lb 
 
 
OPTION F.
MARS (BRITISH)
745  18lbC1:503:302.6kn1.009062015%
  9    9lb 
 
  14    18lb 
 
  14    32lb 
 
vs.
HERCULES (FRENCH)
742  42lbC3:003:202.6kn1.109067015%
  8    8lb 
 
  15    24lb 
 
  14    36lb 
 
 
 GUNS 
 NUM  TYPEFIRETURNSPEEDSHOTHULLCREWSNIPER%
OPTION G.
BONHOMME RICHARD (AMERICAN)
424  9lb1:302:202.4kn1.105042015%
  14    12lb 
 
  3    18lb 
 
vs.
SERAPIS (BRITISH)
444  6lb1:302:002.9kn1.00602708%
  10    12lb 
 
  10    18lb 
 
 
OPTION H.
NYMPHE (BRITISH)
364  32lbC1:301:503.1kn1.00402208%
  4    9lb 
 
  1    12lb 
 
  13    18lb 
 
vs.
CLEOPATRE (FRENCH)
362  42lbC2:001:403.1kn1.10403208%
  5    6lb 
 
  13    12lb 
 



9.0 Glossary of Terms


ARCADE GAME Broadsides allows for two types of play, ‘arcade’ and ‘tactical’. Fewer commands are available in the arcade game.

BATTLE SAIL Battle sail was the normal sail and rigging configuration used by a ship in action. Many of the sails were ‘dewed up,’ giving the ship less speed, but causing the masts and sails to be less vulnerable to enemy fire.

BOARDING A boarding action occurred when one ship was able to grapple with the other ship. to allow the crew members of the two ships to engage in hand-to-hand combat.

BROADSIDE A broadside occurred when all the cannons on one side (either port or starboard) were fired simultaneously at a target.

CARRONADE A carronade was a short-barrelled, large caliber gun designed for short ranges. It was invented in 1779 by the Carron Company in Scotland.

FULL SAIL Full sail allowed ships to increase their speed by setting more sails. This increased strain on masts and rigging, and made them more vulnerable to enemy fire.

GRAPPLES Grapples were used to keep the two ships together so boarding could continue. In the game, you can break the grapples on your ship by moving your swordfighter back behind the bulwark (see boarding screen picture and explanation) on your ship.

KNOT One nautical mile per hour. A nautical mile is approximately 6080 feet.

OPTION There are six options shown on the options page: game controller, number of players, arcade or tactical type of game, regular game or boarding screen only, level of play, and change variables.

PORT The left side of the ship as you stand on the ship facing forward.

SNIPER Snipers used muskets to shoot at the enemy and were positioned in the rigging of the ships.

STARBOARD The right side of your ship as you face forward on the ship.

SWORDFIGHTER Represents handto-hand fighting with swords during boarding actions.

TACTICAL GAME There are two types of games that can be played: arcade and tactical. The tactical game has more command options.

VARIABLE The game variables specify the characteristics of each ship. These can be altered one by one on the variables pages. Some of the variables are crew size, strength of hull, and type and number of cannons. The game is designed to enable you to change any or all of the characterisitiCS of each ship before each game begins.



Credits


Game Design & Programming
Wayne Garris

Game Development
Joel Billings

Art & Graphic Design
Louis Hsu Saekow, Don Woo
and Kathryn Lee


Typesetting
Abra Type

Printing
A&A Printers and Lithographers

If you have any questions or problems regarding the program or game, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your question to: STRATEGIC SIMULATIONS INC 883 Stierlin Road, Bldg. A-200, Mountain View, CA 94043-1983. Or call our Hotline Number: (415) 964-1200 eveiy weekday, 9 to 5 (P.S.T.)


Keyboard Commands for Sailing


COMMAND APPLE II & II+
SHIP 1
(Violet)
SHIP 2
(Green)
APPLE IIe
SHIP 1
(Violet)
SHIP 2
(Green)
ATARI
SHIP 1
(Light)
SHIP 2
(Dark)
Display next lower numbered command
D <-
D ;
D <-
Display next higher numbered command
F <-
F '
F <-
Execute displayed command
S ;
S L
S ;

Boarding Phase Commands


COMMAND APPLE II & II+
SHIP 1
(Violet)
SHIP 2
(Green)
APPLE IIe
SHIP 1
(Violet)
SHIP 2
(Green)
ATARI
SHIP 1
(Light)
SHIP 2
(Dark)
SWORDFIGHTER MOVEMENTS:
Move right
Move left
Counter-thrust
Thrust
Hack
 
F->
D<-
10
2:
3-
 
F,
D;
10
2-
3=
 
F->
D<-
18
29
30
SNIPER AIM AND FIRE AT:
Other snipers
Enemy on other deck
Enemy on own deck
 
10
2:
3-
 
10
2-
3=
 
18
29
30

SPECIAL NOTES:
º BROADSIDES TM is compatible with the Mockingboard TM in slot #4.

º Certain hardware items (such as a Z-80 card) placed in slot #4 will prevent the BROADSIDES game from functioning properly. If your disk will not run and you have a card in slot #4, remove the card and the game will load correctly.

Mockingboard is a trademark of Sweet Micro Systems.

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html-ized by Dan Vernon -- May 2002