AHOY Showcase | “Veloce“ (HMS Speedy)

Support Ahoy on Patreon today! Today we’re showcasing the first of Ahoy’s fleet of ships - “Veloce“. Veloce was developed using the lines of His Majesty’s Brig Speedy (1782). Speedy was a prominent 14-gun brig belonging to the British Royal Navy. Built in the concluding years of the American War of Independence, Speedy boasted a decorated service record during the French Revolutionary Wars. Emerging from the docks of Dover, Kent, HMS Speedy primarily served along the British coast during the interwar years. Following the ignition of the French Revolutionary Wars, she was transferred to the Mediterranean, spending the majority of her career in these warmer waters. Here, she thrived under a series of accomplished commanders, carving out a remarkable reputation through her involvement in numerous engagements, often triumphing against formidable opposition. Commander Charles Cunningham, her first Mediterranean captain, earned accolades with multiple squadrons, contributing to the capture of prestigious war prizes such as the French frigates Modeste and Impérieuse. His successor, George Cockburn, commanded admiration through his relentless commitment to duty. However, the reins of HMS Speedy fell into less fortunate hands with Commander George Eyre, who lost her to an overwhelming French force on 9 June 1794. Speedy’s misfortune was short-lived, as she was promptly reclaimed and reinstated under the command of Hugh Downman. From 1795 to 1799, Downman proved his worth by capturing numerous privateers and repelling an assault by the formidable French privateer Papillon on 3 February 1798. Following Downman, Jahleel Brenton took the helm, engaging in numerous battles against Spanish forces off Gibraltar. The last captain to command HMS Speedy, Lord Cochrane, earned his place in history by forcing the surrender of the significantly larger Spanish frigate El Gamo. However, in 1801, a potent French squadron once again captured HMS Speedy. The following year, Napoleon gifted her to the Papal Navy, where she served for five years under the name San Paolo before being decommissioned around 1806. The music featured in today’s video is a new rendition of the “Heart of Oak“, the official march of the Royal Navy since it’s original composition. The original piece was written in 1759 by composer William Boyce. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This video was released as part of our Developer Journal initiative. For more information about our development updates and how you can contribute to get early access to these updates, please see our website: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For more information about Ahoy, please visit our website: Wishlist Ahoy on Steam: Or join us on Discord for more events like this: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Follow Ahoy: Discord: Twitter: Twitch: Instagram: Facebook: