Xebecs, seen throughout the Mediterranean throughout the age of sail were easy to produce and were cheap, and thus were used as merchants, but more famously as corsairs and pirates. Every major naval power with forces in the Med also operated them. Xebecs became the preferred ships of Barbary pirates for the ability to carry more cannons than a galley, and overall cheapness, speed, and maneuverability.

Corsairs built their xebecs to achieve higher speed than their victims, but with a considerable beam to allow for the large sails. The lateen rig of the xebec allowed the ship to sail close hauled to the wind, often giving it an advantage in pursuit or escape. The use of oars or sweeps allowed the xebec to approach vessels who were becalmed.

Our Xebec model represents a 14-gun mid-sized xebec. The kit is SLA printed with wood dowels, and floral wire for masts. The model comes unpainted and un-assembled.

We offer 3 variants:

Carronade armed.

Cannons with round gun ports.

Cannon with side opening square gun ports.

This model’s hull including the beakhead and stern overhanging poop deck is just over 146mm long by 25mm wide.