HMS Boreas was a modified Mermaid-class sixth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy, constructed at Blaydes Yard in Hull and launched in 1774. Designed by Sir Thomas Slade, she was built at a cost of approximately £10,000 and subsequently fitted out at Chatham Docks. The vessel's dimensions and armament details are not specified in the provided content, but as a sixth-rate frigate, she would have typically carried around 20-28 guns. Commissioned in August 1775 under Captain Charles Thompson, HMS Boreas quickly became active in naval operations during the American Revolutionary War. Her service record includes numerous captures of enemy vessels, primarily schooners, sloops, and brigantines, occurring between late 1776 and mid-1777. Notable captures include the Williamsburg Packet, Ipswich schooner, Polly, John, Theo and Ann, Polly sloop, Will, Hope, Cannon, Farmer, Juliet, Happy-Return, Mary, and the brig Dublin. These captures contributed to her reputation as an effective vessel in disrupting enemy maritime activities during this period. In 1778, HMS Boreas underwent a significant refit at Plymouth, notably receiving a copper bottom, which would have enhanced her speed and durability, at a cost of about £5,500. The following year, she participated in the Battle of Grenada in July 1779, engaging in combat under Captain Thompson. One of her most notable actions was the capture of the French corvette Compas on 31 August 1779. The Compas, armed en flute with eighteen 6-pounder guns, resisted for around 20 minutes before surrendering, suffering nine casualties. Boreas was part of Rear Admiral Hyde Parker’s squadron on the Jamaica station during this engagement. From 1784 to 1787, HMS Boreas served as the flagship of Horatio Nelson, who was the Senior Naval Officer of the Leeward Islands. Later, beginning in 1797, she was repurposed as a slop ship—a vessel used for storing and distributing clothing and supplies—serving in this capacity until her sale in 1802. HMS Boreas's active service and association with notable figures like Nelson underscore her maritime significance during the late 18th century.

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