HMS Sorlings was a 32-gun fifth-rate warship constructed under contract at Shoreham in 1693/94, launched on 19 March 1694. She measured approximately 102 feet 8.5 inches (31.31 meters) in gundeck length, with a keel length of 85 feet 8 inches (26.11 meters) used for tonnage calculations. Her breadth was 28 feet 2.5 inches (8.60 meters), and her depth of hold was 10 feet 9 inches (3.28 meters). The vessel's builder’s measure tonnage was calculated at approximately 36.25 tons burthen. Her armament initially comprised four demi-culverins on the lower deck, arranged with two guns per side, complemented by 20 to 22 sakers on the upper deck, with 10 or 11 guns per side, and an additional 4 to 6 minions on the quarterdeck, with 2 or 3 guns per side. This armament configuration made her a versatile vessel suitable for various roles, including trade protection and convoy escort. Commissioned in 1694 under Captain Fleetwood Ernes, HMS Sorlings served primarily in trade protection duties across Home Waters, North America, the West Indies, and the Mediterranean. Her early service included deployments to Newfoundland, Leghorn, Iceland, and the Leeward Islands. Over the years, she was commanded by notable captains such as Richard Cotten, John Worrell, Lord James Dursley, Jonathan Spann, Thomas Campion, and William Coney. Her operational activities included convoy escort missions and fleet actions. In October 1705, HMS Sorlings was captured by four French warships, including the 30-gun Le Jersey, while escorting a Baltic convoy. She was incorporated into the French Navy and loaned to the privateering squadron at Dunkerque, where she was renamed Le Sorlingue. She remained in French service until her recapture by the British in February 1711. Following her return, she was sold, marking the end of her service. Her history reflects the tumultuous naval conflicts of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, illustrating her role in maritime protection and warfare during that era.

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