When
ships were powered by
sail, a system of classifying the different types of
warship was developed.
Naval ships varied from massive constructions nearly 182 metres (200 feet) long and mounting 120
guns down to tiny, fast ships with a handful of guns. Each was designed for a specific task, but the
pride of the
fleet was the
battleships. These were divided into six types or rates. The largest were known as the first rates. They had three decks and carried over a hundred
cannon. They were the most powerful of all warships and had a devastating effect in battle.
The
Victory, now kept at
Portsmouth, is a first rate ship.