Chapter 591: A Celebration for the French Navy
Joseph's design for Sané's warship layout was excellent because it was directly modeled after the Napoléon, a warship created more than half a century later.
The Napoléon was the world's first steam-powered sailing battleship. Designed with meticulous attention to balance and efficiency, it was an iconic achievement in naval engineering. For Sané, tasked with his first attempt at designing a steam-powered sail warship, this layout was an ideal starting point—straightforward yet sophisticated enough to grasp easily.
Moreover, Joseph had firsthand experience with the Napoléon—he had assembled a model of it in his previous life, making him familiar with its internal structure.
Sané's current ship design was based on the Surge, a light frigate from the Seven Years' War. With minimal adjustments, he managed to complete preliminary designs in just a few months.
Presenting the "Mediterranean Light"
Sané pointed to the stern section of the design with a slender wooden stick as he explained:
"This is where we've relocated the sailors' quarters, expanded and reinforced to accommodate two steam engines.
"These engines can generate over 100 horsepower, enabling the warship to achieve speeds of over 8 knots with just the screw propeller. When combined with sails, it can reach a top speed of 12 knots!"
The gathered naval officers displayed visible excitement.
In the Atlantic, even Britain's third-rate ships of the line could rarely exceed 10 knots. Frigates might reach 12 knots under optimal winds, but in the Mediterranean, with its prevalent light breezes, their speed would drop by 30–40%, or more.
Even Mediterranean-optimized galleys, at their peak, could only sustain 11 knots for half an hour before the rowers were exhausted.
In contrast, the Mediterranean Light would be untouchable in these waters.
Sané continued:
"Eight side gunports have been removed to create coal storage. Combined with additional storage in the lower hold, the ship can sustain 900 nautical miles of travel.
"At maximum speed, the range decreases to 570 nautical miles."
Though limited, this range was sufficient for the narrow Mediterranean. For instance, the distance from Toulon to Tunis was only 400 nautical miles.
During non-combat situations, the ship could rely solely on its sails, conserving fuel.
Firepower Concerns
However, Admiral Rogiville, commander of the Brest Fleet, frowned slightly and interrupted:
"Mr. Sané, light frigates typically carry 28 to 30 guns.
"With eight gunports removed, this ship would only mount 20 guns. Frankly, such limited firepower seems inadequate."
Joseph smiled and stepped in:
"Admiral, the Mediterranean Light actually carries just 17 guns.
"But you needn't worry—it wasn't designed for traditional broadside combat.
"Surely, you remember the Navy's new tactical guidelines—the Ranger Tactics being drafted by the General Staff. These were created specifically for ships like this one."
Rogiville vaguely recalled the Ranger Tactics drafts, which focused on harassment strategies.
Sané elaborated further, pointing to the stern section:
"This area will be modified to mount three 24-pound long guns.
"The broadside gunports will host six 18-pound long guns, four 12-pounders, and four 32-pound carronades. There are no bow chasers."
The admiral quickly grasped the concept: this ship's heaviest firepower was concentrated at the stern, clearly preparing for quick retreats.
The strategy was simple: if the enemy pursued, the frigate would flee while using its stern guns to fire at its pursuers.
French long-barreled cannons, renowned for their superior range, had limited use in traditional fleet engagements. But as stern weapons, they could excel.
Rogiville envisioned steam-powered frigates circling British ships, retreating when pursued, and maintaining just enough distance for their guns to hit while staying out of British bow chaser range.
Though the Mediterranean Light's three stern guns wouldn't deal catastrophic damage, they could gradually wear down a pursuing ship, forcing it to retreat for repairs. Occasionally, a lucky shot might even hit a mast or other critical component.
Speed and Maneuverability
Another advantage, which Rogiville hadn't yet considered, was the maneuverability of screw-propelled ships.
Screw propulsion allowed the rudder to redirect propeller thrust for sharper turns, far outpacing traditional sailing ships that relied solely on water pressure against the rudder.
This meant the Mediterranean Light could quickly shift from broadside to stern positioning, maintaining its distance while pounding pursuers. Meanwhile, a sailing warship would struggle to execute its turn, likely enduring multiple volleys in the process.
A Strategic Leap
Two hours later, Sané concluded his presentation, having introduced all major features of the Mediterranean Light.
The gathered naval officers were visibly elated. After years of humiliation at the hands of the British Navy, France could finally go on the offensive in the Mediterranean!
The Marquis de Castries, the Minister of the Navy, looked at Joseph with anticipation and respect. He asked cautiously:
"Your Highness, may I ask how many of these frigates the Navy can expect?"
Joseph responded without hesitation:
"20 ships."
The officers' eyes lit up—this was a substantial fleet.
Over the past three years, the Navy had managed to build just one third-rate ship of the line and four light frigates, practically a beggar's effort.
Meanwhile, the British Navy had added one first-rate ship of the line, three third-rates, and seven heavy frigates, not to mention countless smaller vessels. And that was with the British deliberately slowing production to match France's inactivity.
For the French Navy, enduring years of stagnation, this day felt like a festival.
Even More Ambitious Plans
Overcome with emotion, Castries felt his eyes sting. But Joseph wasn't done:
"Once the Mediterranean Light-class ships are launched, Mr. Sané will immediately begin designing a new steam-powered frigate based on the Virgin.
"This class will feature three steam engines and a larger hull, allowing for 12 ships to be constructed."
Castries gasped. The Virgin-class was a 32-gun heavy frigate, much larger and capable of mounting 32-pound cannons—weapons that could threaten ships of the line.
And they would build 12 of them?
The minister hesitated, concerned about the strain on resources. He asked nervously:
"Your Highness, such an ambitious program—might it reduce our capacity to construct larger ships of the line?"
Joseph shook his head with a reassuring smile:
"Rest assured, Minister. These new frigates will be funded through additional appropriations."
It wasn't just optimism. The day before, Joseph had received a confidential letter from Calonne in London. The letter reported that the "project" there had already raised over £1 million.
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