HMS Captain (1787)

HMS Captain was a 74-gun third-rate ship of the line in the Royal Navy, launched in 1787. She was built to the Common design of 1771, a design considered relatively unremarkable but providing a solid, reliable warship.

Her service included participation in several significant naval actions. She was notably present at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent in 1797, where, under the command of Commodore Horatio Nelson, she played a pivotal role in securing the British victory. Nelson's daring boarding action against the Spanish ships San Nicolas and San Josef from the Captain became a celebrated event.

Subsequently, the Captain participated in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, again under Nelson's command (though Nelson was aboard Victory at the time). She performed admirably in the battle, contributing to the overall British victory against the combined French and Spanish fleet.

The Captain continued to serve the Royal Navy for a number of years after Trafalgar. Eventually, as with many wooden warships, she became worn and obsolete. She was broken up in 1816, after a long and distinguished career.