French frigate Clorinde (1801)

The Clorinde was a 40-gun French Navy frigate, launched in 1801. She served during the Napoleonic Wars, participating in several notable actions. Designed by Pierre-Alexandre Forfait, Clorinde was built to a standard French frigate design of the period.

Her early service saw her involved in operations in the Caribbean. Later, she was engaged in the Indian Ocean. It was in these waters that she saw significant action against British forces.

One notable engagement occurred in 1814 when Clorinde, under the command of Captain Denis Légat, was pursued and ultimately captured by a British squadron consisting of HMS Eurotas, HMS Dryad, and HMS Achates off the coast of Ireland. The battle was fierce, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Eurotas sustained significant damage during the encounter.

Following her capture, Clorinde was taken into the Royal Navy as HMS Clorinde. She was later used as a troopship before being broken up in 1817. The Clorinde's career, though relatively short, was marked by periods of intense naval conflict, highlighting the ongoing struggle between France and Great Britain for maritime supremacy during the Napoleonic era.