Is a Brig Bigger Than a Frigate?

In the realm of naval history and maritime terminology, the distinction between a brig and a frigate is often a subject of curiosity and confusion. While both are sailing vessels with multiple masts, their sizes, armament, and roles played in naval warfare differed significantly.

A brig is a two-masted sailing ship with square sails on both masts. It typically has a smaller size compared to a frigate, typically ranging from 100-200 tons in displacement. Brigs were commonly used for trade and privateering during the 17th and 18th centuries due to their maneuverability and speed.

On the other hand, a frigate is a three-masted sailing ship with square sails on its foremast and mizzenmast, and a gaff-rigged mainmast. Frigates were significantly larger than brigs, ranging from 300-1000 tons in displacement. They were designed for long-range cruising and played a crucial role in naval warfare as convoy escorts, scouts, and occasional capital ship killers.

Therefore, based on their relative sizes, it is clear that a frigate is bigger than a brig. Brigs were primarily used for trade and privateering, while frigates played a broader and more formidable role in naval combat.

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