HMS Jason was a 36-gun fifth-rate frigate of the Penelope class, launched in 1800. Designed by Sir John Henslow, she was constructed at George Parsons' shipyard in Bursledon, with her keel laid in October 1798 and launched on 27 January 1800. Her dimensions included an upper deck length of approximately 150 feet, a beam of nearly 40 feet, and a depth of hold around 13 feet, with a burthen tonnage of about 1,052 tons—considerably larger than the typical 36-gun frigates of the period. Her construction emphasized strength and durability to withstand the rough weather of the English Channel, sacrificing some speed for toughness. She was armed primarily with sixteen 18-pounder long guns on the upper deck, supplemented by two 9-pounder guns and fourteen carronades—ten 32-pounders and four 9-pounders—distributed across the quarterdeck and forecastle. This armament configuration was a result of design adjustments to comply with Admiralty orders, favoring carronades to bolster close-range firepower. Commissioned in March 1800 under Captain Joseph Sydney Yorke, Jason served mainly in the English Channel, operating within Commodore Charles Cunningham’s frigate squadron. Her duties included convoy escort, patrols, and capturing enemy privateers. Notable successes include the capture of the French privateer La Venus off Cherbourg and the detention of the Danish brig Bontine. She also recaptured the British merchant Trafficker and detained the Danish vessel Hoffnung. Tragically, Jason's service was cut short when she was wrecked off St Malo on 21 July 1801 during a calm, clear day. Her entire crew was saved, but the vessel was irrecoverable. The French attempted to salvage her, but efforts to burn her wreck to prevent French access succeeded on 6 August 1801. The loss led to a court martial for Captain Murray, who was ultimately acquitted. Despite her brief service, HMS Jason exemplifies the design priorities of toughness and combat capability for Channel operations during the Napoleonic Wars.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.