Xebec were greatly favored by
Mediterranean nations as corsairs. For this
purpose, they were built with a narrow floor to
achieve a higher speed than their victims.
Xebec's beam, however, were considerable larger in
order to carry an extensive sail plan. As these
vessels are usually very low-built, their decks are
formed with a great convexity from the middle of
their breadth towards the sides.
When a Xebec is equipped for war, she is navigated
in three different methods according to the force or
direction of the wind.
When the wind is fair, and nearly astern, it is
usual to extend square sails upon the main-mast; and
indeed frequently on the fore-mast: and as those
sails are rarely used in a scant wind, they are of
an extraordinary breadth.
When the wind is unfavorable to the course, and yet
continues moderate, the square yards and sails are
removed from the masts in order to make way for the
large lateen yards and sails, which soon after
assume their place.
When the foul wind increases to
a storm, these latter are also lowered down and
displaced; and small lateen yards with proportional
sails are extended on all the masts.
By the very complicated method of working these
vessels, the crew of every Xebec has at least the
labor equivalent to three square-rigged ships,
wherein the standing sails are calculated to answer
every situation of the wind.
This Xebec masterpiece features:
- Scratch-built
- Plank-on-frame
- All parts are wooden or metal
- Wooden base
29" long x 20" tall X6" wide