Sixth Rate

Sixth Rate
Belongs to	All Western factions
Crew	95
Guns	32 (16 on each side)
Firepower	360
Range	500
Accuracy	60
Reloading skill	40
Hull strength	2118
Speed	21
Maneuverability	Medium
Tech requirement	None
Produced from	Shipyard or higher
Special abilities	Top Gallants
Cost	920 SP/610 MP
Upkeep	230

The Sixth Rate is a ship type in Empire: Total War.

Description

A sixth rate is the smallest class of frigate. It is a useful scout for slow battle fleets, and usually has excellent handling characteristics.

The Royal Navy system of rating ships defines a “sixth rate” as a small frigate: a single-deck ship, square-rigged, with around 28 nine-pounder guns, and a crew of around 200 men. This is the smallest vessel in the system set out by Samuel Pepys (the very same fellow who is now famous for his sometimes rude diaries), and the smallest command of a post captain. This means that sixth rate captains are either old men, passed over for command, or young, ambitious officers looking to make their mark. It’s also worth pointing out that, even with “only” 28 nine-pounder cannons at his command, the captain of a sloop has more firepower than many generals ashore!

Historically, the sixth rates’ small size made them handy for scouting work and perfect where speed and good sailing qualities were required. They were a very good counter to privateers in smaller luggers, brigs and sloops; sixth rates can chase them down and have enough guns and men to win the subsequent engagement! They were also extremely useful in blockades, as they could sail in shallow waters and keep close watch on enemy ports.

General Information

As the smallest class of frigate, the Sixth Rate boasts impressive speed and handling, and has enough firepower to pose a threat to frigates and light ships. However, its cannons are fairly weak and do not pose much of a threat to larger ships.

Unlike most other ships, Sixth Rates are not available by default to non-Western factions such as the Ottoman Empire and the Maratha Confederacy. Like other ships, however, they may be captured by any faction and thus sail under any flag. 

Some factions' ship statistics are different from others; differences are listed below (traits that to not differ are not listed).

Type	Accuracy	Reload Skill	Hull Strength	Speed	Morale	Cost	Upkeep
Standard	60	40	2118	18	8	920	230
France	70	40	2146	19	8	1040	260
Great Britain	60	55	2198	18	9	940	230
Spain	60	40	2118	18	8	910	220
United States	60	50	2198	18	9	890	220