3rd Rates Squadron (1770 – 1830)

A 3^rd rate ship, as defined by the British rating system, was a ship of the line which mounted between 64-80 guns. Usually, this would mean two gun decks. Despite their relative size and power compared to larger 1^st and 2^nd rates, it was considered that 3^rd rates maintained an effective, perhaps even superior balance between sailing ability, firepower and cost.

For a number of nations, 3rd rates were the most popular ship size. Cheaper to operate and easier to sail without the sacrifice of offensive capability, the only ships a 3rd rate could not single-handedly engage were larger three-decked ships. A large number of 3rd rates were built and employed on a variety of missions.

Read more about 3rd Rates and their role in Black Seas here >>