| This
rarely seen finished model is of one of the last successful armed vessels
to be rigged with lateen sails. Directly descended from the Greek Dromone
of the 12th century, the Sciabecco was a copy of the Xebec used by Berber
pirates--the Islamic Terrorists of their day. Armed with 14 medium caliber
cannons, the Xebec was also used for coastal defense by both Spanish and
French navies to defend against these same pirates.
Oars made maneuvering possible when becalmed and provided extra maneuverability
to speed the cumbersome acts of resetting spars and trimming sails when
coming about. The Sciabecco was noted for her quickness and up-wind capabilities--something
lacking in the larger warships of the day.
When American Frigates took US Marines to the Shores of Tripoli, these
are the vessels they confronted.
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