Nuestra Senora de la Santisima Trinidad

History of the Nuestra Senora de la Santisima Trinidad

The "Nuestra Senora de la Santisima Trinidad," a massive three-masted warship, was built in Havana, Cuba for the Spanish Navy in 1769. It boasted an impressive armament of 112 guns initially, later upgraded to 140 guns, making it one of the most heavily armed ships of its time. However, its size and lack of maneuverability made it less effective in combat, serving more as a symbol of Spanish naval power than a tactical asset.

Despite its shortcomings, it saw action in several key engagements, including capturing a large portion of a British convoy in 1780 and participating in the unsuccessful siege of Gibraltar in 1782. It sustained heavy damage in battles against the British but managed to escape capture.

The ship met its demise during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where it was outmaneuvered and ultimately sunk by the British after losing its mast. This marked the end of its active service.

Specification

BASICS

Years of Service: 1769

Origins: Spain

Class and type: 140-gun first-rate

Surface Speed: 10. 0 kts (11.5 mph)

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 201.0 feet (61.26 m)

Ray: 53.0 feet (16.15 m)

Draft: 26. 3 feet (8.02 m)

Shift: 4,950 tons

ARMAMENT

18 x 8-pdr guns (forecastle/quarterdeck).

32 x 12-pdr guns (upper deck).

32 x 24-pdr guns (middle deck).

30 x 36-pdr guns (lower deck).