HMS Renard (1873) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Renard |
| Builder | John Cuthbert, Millers Point, New South Wales |
| Launched | 16 January 1873 |
| Fate | Sold in March 1883. |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Beagle-class schooner |
| Tons burthen | 120 bm |
| Length | 77 ft 0 in (23.5 m) |
| Beam | 18 ft 6 in (5.6 m) |
| Depth of hold | 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) |
| Sail plan | Schooner |
| Complement | 27 |
| Armament | 1 x 12-pounder gun |
HMS Renard was a special kind of sailing ship called a schooner. It belonged to the Royal Navy, which is the navy of the United Kingdom. This ship was built in Australia and started its journey in 1873.
Contents
What Was HMS Renard?
HMS Renard was a schooner, a type of sailing ship with two or more masts. It was built by John Cuthbert in Millers Point, New South Wales, Australia. The ship was launched on January 16, 1873. It was designed to be fast and easy to handle.
Life at Sea
The ship began its work in 1873 from Sydney, Australia. It was part of the Australia Station, which was a group of Royal Navy ships based in the Pacific Ocean. Their main job was to protect British interests and keep peace in the region.
Stopping Illegal Activities
One important task for HMS Renard was to stop "blackbirding." This was a bad practice where people were tricked or forced from their homes on Pacific islands to work on plantations. The Royal Navy wanted to stop this unfair and illegal trade. In 1876, under Captain Pugh, HMS Renard looked for a famous person involved in blackbirding named Bully Hayes. They searched for him around islands like Nukufetau in the Ellice Islands.
Exploring the Pacific
HMS Renard also helped explore the Pacific Ocean. It carried out "hydrographic surveys." This means it mapped the ocean floor and coastlines. The ship explored areas around the Chesterfield Islands, Fiji, and the Russell Islands. During one of these trips in late 1874, the ship accidentally ran aground on a reef that was not on any map. Luckily, the captain was found not to be at fault for this accident.
End of Service
HMS Renard finished its service in 1883. It was then "paid off," which means it was taken out of active duty. After this, the ship was sold. It was then used for trade in the Solomon Islands.
