Black Seas The Age of Sail HMS Royal Sovereign for Black Seas Table Top Ship Combat Battle War Game 792411002

HMS Royal Sovereign was a 1st Rate Ship-of-the-Line of the Royal Navy, bearing 100 guns. She was launched from Plymouth Dockyard in 1786 and developed somewhat of a poor reputation from her crew, supposedly dubbed "West Country Wagon" owing to poor maneuevrability and speed. Prior to her famous role at the Battle of Trafalgar, she participated in the battles of "The Glorious First of June" as the flagship of Vice-Admiral Thomas Graves, and was Cornwallis' flagship in his famous retreat of 16 June 1795. In the latter battle, after a day's pursuit, a far larger French fleet came within firing range of the entire Brtish fleet. Realizing the danger to his rearguard, Cornwallis brought Royal Sovereign southwards imposing his vessel between the two fleets, using the power of the 1st rate's broadside to dissuade the pursuing French. In doing so, he managed to delay the French long enough until the appearance of an unknown fleet spooked the French into their own retreat. At Trafalgar, HMS Sovereign was the flagship of Admiral Collingwood, at the head of the Leeward line (a scenario can be found here). It was the first ship to engage in the action, breaking the Franco-Spanish Line and engaging the Spanish Santa Ana. Despite the ship's poor reputation for speed and maneuverability, it proved adept in the light winds of the day, outpacing other vessels. HMS Royal Sovereign duelled with Santa Ana for much of the battle, losing her mizzen and main masts in the process. The Spanish vessel eventually struck its colors after suffering over 200 casualties. HMS Euryalus was forced to take the Royal Sovereign in tow, but this still allowed the 1st Rate to support the battle with its port broadsides. Eventually, the vessel was deemed uninhabitable and Collingwood, now in command of the fleet following Nelson's death transferred his flag to HMS Euryalus. Collingwood opted to overturn one of Nelson's final orders to anchor the fleet, reacting to the rising storm. Royal Sovereign would go on to serve in the blockade of Toulon and was credited with the capture of an American frigate at the outbreak of the War of 1812. In Black Seas: HMS Royal Sovereign is an exceptionally powerful 1st Rate in the game. Beware the brunt of her broadside, particularly if you choose to include Admiral Collingwood as a character in your fleet. His presence will allow his ship and friendly vessels near, to re-roll its initial broadside. This gives you a distinct advantage for this crucial portion of any battle.

• Prepare your fine array of 1/700th scale tall-ships for battle focusing on the golden age sail of military maritime warfare ships combating in the period 1770-1830, the 'carronade era'. From superbly detailed plastic Frigates, Brigs or 3rd Rates (usable for all nations) through to the mighty 1st rates in finely detailed metal and resin, there are plenty of options to take to battle!
• Utilizing a unique and innovative initiative system based around the most important factor of sail powered combat: the wind. Additional rules enable you to fight in a 'line of battle,' engage shore batteries, rake your enemies with withering initial broadsides or capture vessels in heroic boarding actions. All while avoiding such hazards to navigation as fog banks, fire ships and shipwrecks.
• The rules allow you to field fleets comprised of vessels ranging from the tiniest gunboats up to the true giants of the waves, the mighty 1st rate warships. Can be played on a 4' x 3' table or unobstructed floor space.
• Each ship in Black Seas is accompanied by a ship card which details its speed, weaponry and other key ratings to help strategically plan battles based on their advantages.
• Build, paint and play! The construction and painting of the models and watching them come to life are just as much fun as the game itself! Paint and glue are not included.