A brig was a two-masted vessel square-rigged on both masts, giving strong speed and power at the cost of needing more hands than a fore-and-aft rigged brigantine. Brigs served both privateers seeking prize-taking speed and the naval forces that hunted pirates, remaining common into the 19th century.
Quick Facts
| Ship Class | Warship/Merchant |
|---|---|
| Era Used | 18th-19th century |
| Typical Crew | up to 120 |
| Guns / Cannons | up to 16 |
| Speed / Handling | Fast under square rig, crew-intensive |
| Notable Use | Common naval anti-piracy patrol vessel; less used by Caribbean pirates than sloops |
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