A Detailed Re-Creation Of A 24-Gun British Frigate.
HMS Surprise
The ship now known as HMS Surprise began life in 1970 as a replica of the 18th century Royal Navy frigate Rose. During the next 30 years Rose sailed thousands of miles as an attraction vessel and sail training ship prior to her conversion to HMS Surprise. For the academy award winning film, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, the filmmakers made a painstaking effort to recreate a 24 gun frigate specific to Great Britain’s Nelson era Royal Navy. The result is a replica vessel unmatched in its authenticity and attention to detail.
Surprise found a new home at the Maritime Museum of San Diego in 2004. A popular shoreside attraction, the ship now joins our collection of ships along with the Star of India and Californian.
- Construction drawings for the “Rose” were created by noted designer Phil Bolger.
- Special historic exhibits are displayed on the ship’s gun deck.
- In 2006, actor/musician Russell Crowe brought members of his band to visit the ship he once “commanded”.
| LOA | 179′ |
| Beam | 32′ |
| Maximum Draft | 13′ |
| Gross Tonnage | 500 |
| Rig | Full-rigged Ship |
| Auxiliary Engines | Twin Diesel-300 hp each |