French ship Duguay-Trouin (1854) facts for kids
Duguay-Trouin was a large sailing warship of the French Navy. It was part of the Hercule class and was later changed to use both sails and steam power. This ship was named after a famous French sailor, René Duguay-Trouin.
Watercolour portrait of Duguay-Trouin, by François Roux
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 France |
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| Name | Duguay-Trouin |
| Namesake | René Duguay-Trouin |
| Builder | Lorient |
| Laid down | 17 September 1827 |
| Launched | 29 March 1854 |
| Stricken | 22 July 1872 |
| Fate | Scrapped 1877 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Hercule class |
| Displacement | 4440 tonnes |
| Length | 62.50 metres |
| Beam | 16.20 metres |
| Draught | 8.23 metres |
| Sail plan | 3150 m² of sails |
| Complement | 955 men |
| Armament |
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| Armour | timber |
The Ship Duguay-Trouin
The construction of Duguay-Trouin began in 1827. It was planned as a sailing ship with 100 guns. However, before it was finished, its design was changed.
Its Journey and Changes
From 1856, while still being built, the ship was updated. It was made into a "Sail and Steam" ship. This meant it could use both its sails and a steam engine for power.
In 1860, Duguay-Trouin made an important journey. It sailed all the way to New Caledonia. On this trip, it became the first steam-powered ship to cross Cape Horn. This is a very dangerous and stormy part of the ocean at the tip of South America.
Later Life and Fate
After its active service, Duguay-Trouin was taken out of regular use in 1863. From 1867, it served as a hospital ship. This means it was used to care for sick or injured people.
Later, it became a floating prison. It held people who were involved in a big event in Paris around that time. In the 1870s, the ship was renamed Vétéran. Around 1877, the ship was taken apart for its materials.
