HMS Racoon, sometimes spelled HMS Raccoon, was an 18-gun ship sloop of the Cormorant class of the Royal Navy, launched on 30 March 1808 by John Preston of Great Yarmouth. She featured the typical design of her class, armed with 18 guns, and served over three decades before being sold in 1838. Her operational history includes notable voyages and engagements across various theaters. Initially commanded by Commander James Welsh, Racoon operated off the African coast and subsequently sailed to Jamaica in June 1809, where Welsh died in November of that year. His successor, Commander William Black, led her on missions including a return to Portsmouth in 1812. During her service, Racoon participated in capturing Hope in January 1813, although the vessel was recaptured by enemy forces; nonetheless, she was awarded a significant insurance payout of £25,000. In mid-1813, Racoon set sail from Rio de Janeiro alongside ships such as HMS Phoebe, HMS Cherub, and Isaac Todd, with the aim of reaching the Columbia River. Her mission was connected to British efforts to counter American and Pacific Fur Company interests in the region, specifically aiming to seize Fort Astoria. Due to her slower sailing speed, Racoon lagged behind the warships and arrived at Fort Astoria on 30 November 1813, after the North West Company had already negotiated a deal with the Pacific Fur Company to purchase their assets, effectively securing British interests in the area. Upon arrival, Captain Black conducted a ceremonial act of possession and renamed the site Fort George. The vessel also carried notable individuals such as Naukane, a Native Hawaiian interpreter. Racoon's activities also included repairs at Angel Island in March 1814, which led to the naming of Raccoon Strait. Later, she sailed to Lima and was involved in convoy escort duties from Rio de Janeiro in early 1815. Throughout her service, she underwent several command changes, including Captain Alexander Montgomerie and Captain John Cook Carpenter, and was re-rated as a 20-gun sixth rate in January 1817. In 1819, Racoon was converted into a convict hospital ship at Portsmouth, serving in this capacity until her sale in 1838 for £820. Her diverse service record highlights her role in early 19th-century maritime operations, including exploration, regional conflict, and humanitarian efforts.

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