The First Ships of the Russian Navy

The Russian Navy is the country’s strength, power, beauty and pride. Each year in July the gray steel ships enter the Neva river and greet us with their flag dressing.

Russia’s navy was established in a remarkably short period. Its first ships were battleships and frigates, followed by galleys and a large number of small auxiliary vessels. During the reign of Tsar Peter I over 500 ships and thirty shipyards were built.

The first shipbuilders were foreigners invited to Russia. They passed the knowledge of their trade on to the Russians, some of whom were also sent abroad for further training. In the 18th century shipbuilders were called “masters of good proportions” because they paid great attention to the interiors of ships and elegance of form.

The level of interior luxury of ships varied according to rank. Small vessels and galleys had a coat of arms in the centre of the stern which was supported on both sides by carved figures. The names of the ships were displayed below these figures. The sterns, sides and many other parts of ships were decorated. Wooden carved sculptures were the most popular forms of décor. These were guilded and painted in bright colours. Also guilded were coats of arms and trophies of war. There were no rigid standards. They were thus painted green, yellow, sky blue and dark blue, among other colours.

The ship’s sculpture works enhanced the sailors patriotism and glorified the young Russian empire when Russia won her first naval battles. That’s why the ships carried such names as “Poltava”, “Gangut”, “Petersburg” and “Kronstadt”.

The ships of the 18th century were done in baroque – the most popular style in Europe at the time. In the first quarter of the 19th century shipbuilding adopted the style of classicism that stressed beauty and grandeur.

Ships built during this period including the “Vladimir”, the “Standard” and the “Sevastopol” had a severe form, and the late 18th century black and white sides were standard at the seas. The sterns and bows had the empire’s symbol on them – the two-headed eagle.

Today’s destroyers, cruisers and antisubmarine ships do not bear the resemblance to their predecessors. But naval traditions are alive. The ships with such names as “Variag”, “Peter the Great” and others defend Russia’s shores.