In 1779, when Spain joined France to declared war on England in support of the American War of Independence, Santísima Trinidad was selected to be the flagship in the Franco-Spanish operations in the English Channel.  One year later, she led the fleet to capture an English convoy of 51 ships.

In 1797, at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent , Santísima Trinidad first engaged with the two 74-gun British ships Culloden and Captain (commanded by Commodore Nelson.)  Unable to sustain the massive Spanish ship's powerful gun blasts, the two British ships signaled for help.  Santísima Trinidad was then surrounded and bombarded simultaneously by Blenheim, 90, Orion, 74, Irresistable, 74, and Excellent, 74. Santísima Trinidad fought valiantly until all masts were collapsed and half of her crew disabled.  When the British tried to capture her, she was saved by the Pelayo, 74 and Principe de Asturias, 112.

Eight years later, Santísima Trinidad took part in the famous Battle of Trafalgar.  The mightiest ship in the world was positioned immediately ahead of the fleet French flagship Bucentaure.  Determined to bring down the notorious dangerous giant, the British ships made her a target for concentrated attack.  Almost at the beginning of the battle, Santísima Trinidad engaged with Leviatan, 74,  Africa, 64, Neptune,98, and Conqueror, 74. 

Santísima Trinidad fought valiantly to tie up four enemy ships for a long time.  She received so much fire on all her bands.  And although all the masts, spars and yards was dismantled, the gigantic Spanish ship still did not give up.  Her guns continued to roar relentlessly until her collapsed sails covered and rendered the guns useless.  Until then no enemy ships dared to come close to board her. 

The huge ship remained without moving.   Her crew suffered more than 600 casualties, including Rear Admiral Cisneros.  In the end, she was captured by the Neptune.  

The great Santísima Trinidad sank in a storm the day after the battle while being towed by the Prince to Gibraltar to exhibit as a trophy.
 

This Santísima Trinidad masterpiece features:

  42" long.  This model is scheduled to complete in the Summer 2009.

       Special preordered price        $1,300   S & H is $130    (after completion: $1,600)

       Illuminated model                  $1,500   S & H is $130    (after completion: $1,800)

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