Stag (barque) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 Canada |
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| Name | Stag |
| Owner | John Strachan, Halifax |
| Port of registry | Halifax, Nova Scotia |
| Laid down | 1854 |
| Launched | LaHave, Nova Scotia |
| Fate | Sank February 12, 1863 Bermuda |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 209 |
| Length | 103.8 ft. |
| Beam | 22.4 ft. |
| Depth | 12.6 ft. |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Sail plan | Barque |
The Stag was a very fast sailing ship, known as a barque, built in Nova Scotia, Canada. She was famous for her incredible speed across the ocean. Designed by a clever Canadian ship architect named Ebenezer Moseley, the Stag had a special front shape called an "Aberdeen bow". This design helped her cut through the water quickly.
Even though she wasn't a huge ship, the Stag was considered an Atlantic Canadian example of a Clipper Ship. Clipper ships were built for speed, making them perfect for carrying goods quickly across long distances. The Stag completed several speedy trips and was even painted by a famous Nova Scotian artist, John O'Brien, who specialized in ship portraits.
The Speedy Ship Stag
The Stag was launched in 1854 from LaHave, Nova Scotia. She was a barque, which means she was a type of sailing ship with at least three masts. Two of these masts had square sails, and the back mast had a fore-and-aft sail. This setup helped her catch the wind efficiently and move very fast.
Built for Speed
The ship's designer, Ebenezer Moseley, was a pioneer in naval architecture in Canada. He gave the Stag a unique "Aberdeen bow." This was a special, sharp design at the front of the ship. It helped the Stag slice through waves instead of pushing them, which made her much faster.
The Stag was often compared to Clipper Ships. Clippers were the fastest sailing ships of their time. They were built for speed, especially for routes like the tea trade from China or the gold rush in California. The Stag showed that Canadian shipbuilders could also create incredibly fast vessels.
Life at Sea
The Stag was owned by John Strachan from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her main job was likely carrying cargo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her speed meant she could deliver goods faster than many other ships. This made her very valuable to her owners.
The ship's impressive performance was well-known. People talked about her quick journeys. She became a symbol of Nova Scotia's strong shipbuilding tradition. The famous marine artist John O'Brien captured her beauty and speed in his paintings. His artwork helps us remember what this magnificent ship looked like.
The End of Her Journey
Sadly, the Stag did not sail forever. On February 12, 1863, she sank near Bermuda. The exact reasons for her sinking are not detailed, but it marked the end of a remarkable career for this speedy Canadian barque. Even after her loss, the Stag remained famous for her speed and unique design. She is remembered as an important part of Canada's maritime history.
