Deep Blue Marine (DPBE)

[exBex]

That button is a very significant find,

Story
With the specification of creating an exceptional symbol of power and grace, the Soleil Royal was designed by architect L. Hubac and built in Brest. With her 104 guns, the Soleil Royal was the magnificent flagship of the French fleet. The date of her maiden voyage is disputed and is presumed to have been some time between 1670 and 1690.

The Soleil Royal was named in honour of the Sun King, Louis XIV. The Soleil Royal demonstrated her tremendous firepower for the first time when King Louis XIV sent her to war. On 12 May 1692, the Soleil Royal left the town of Brest under the command of Captain Anne-Hilarion de Cotentin at the head of a formation of 45 ships. On 29 May, around 21 nautical miles north-east of the headland of Barfleur, the French fleet met the united fleets of England and the Netherlands with a total strength of 97 ships. After a 12-hour battle, the English and the Dutch, who both suffered heavy losses, took flight.

Following the battle, three French ships – including the Soleil Royal – were dragged onto the beach at Cherbourg for necessary repair work. There they were an easy and defenceless target for the Dutch and the English, when they attacked again on 2 and 3 June and set fire to the ships. The loss of 18 ships of the line – especially the Soleil Royal – was a heavy setback for France. However the Soleil Royal was and still remains a sign of pride and courage for the French nation.