HMS Harlequin was a Racer-class brig-sloop constructed for the Royal Navy in the 1830s, representing a class of vessels designed for versatile naval operations. She measured 100 feet 6 inches (30.6 meters) in length at the gundeck and 78 feet 10 inches (24.0 meters) along the keel, with a beam of 32 feet 6 inches (9.9 meters). Her draft was 12 feet 6 inches (3.8 meters), and she had a depth of hold of 15 feet 3 inches (4.6 meters). The ship’s tonnage was approximately 432 tons burthen, indicating a relatively agile vessel suitable for various duties. Armament on HMS Harlequin consisted of a combination of smaller and larger guns, including two 9-pounder (or optionally 18-pounder) cannon and fourteen 32-pounder carronades, reflecting her role in combat and patrol missions. The vessel was crewed by around 120 officers and ratings, enabling her to undertake a range of naval tasks from escorting and patrols to combat engagements. The ship was the fifth vessel to carry the name Harlequin in the Royal Navy. She was ordered on 28 March 1832, with her construction beginning in November 1832 at Pembroke Dockyard in Wales. Launched on 18 March 1836, HMS Harlequin was completed on 25 October of the same year at Plymouth Dockyard and commissioned shortly thereafter on 16 August 1836. While the specific service history and notable events involving HMS Harlequin are not detailed in this source, her construction and design reflect the Royal Navy’s emphasis on versatile, well-armed vessels during the early Victorian period. Her specifications indicate she was built for both combat readiness and operational flexibility, contributing to Britain’s maritime dominance during her period of service.

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