A port-side view of the HMS 'Phaeton' anchored at a harbor. A one-masted lateen sail vessel is in the right foreground, and a two story tower is at the water's edge in the background. The ship was part of the Experimental Squadron, and under Captain Elliot, she had the reputation as being a 'smart ship.' For example, she was known to have special fitting for the quarter boats so that they could be dropped into the water safely despite the speed of the ship and a lifeboat crew ready day and night. Other ships in the service eventually adopted these practices.
