Xebec-Frigate

A late-18th-century hybrid Mediterranean warship combining the fast, narrow xebec hull with the three-masted square rig of a frigate, called the chebec-fregate in French. It traded the pure lateen xebec rig for a ship rig that handled better in Atlantic conditions while keeping the xebec’s speed for chasing corsairs and commerce raiders. The Spanish and French navies built examples around the 1760s to 1780s; they were classed below conventional frigates and served mainly on Mediterranean cruiser and anti-corsair duty.