Name:    HMS Ark Royal (England)
Card:    F&S #071 (Common)
Points:  14
Masts: 3
Cargo: 2
Moves: S+S
Guns : 3S,3S,3S
Hit %: 150 (S), 0 (L)
Ability: Eternal, Broadside Attack
 
This week, it's England's turn. I'll start with one of my favorite fighters from the newer releases, HMS Ark Royal.
 
Three 3S cannons isn't that big a deal; the English have plenty of three-masted fighters with better guns for fewer points (HMS Nautilus and HMS Victor come to mind immediately). It's the combination of abilities that make this ship a contender. If you intend to do a lot of broadside-attacking, the lack of L-range cannons is no handicap, because Broadsides works only in S-range anyway. The Eternal ability means the enemy doesn't dare sink her, so even if she gets left derelict, either you can tow her home, or the enemy has to tie up one of his ships to tow her and keep her out of your hands. Her speed is adequate, especially if your enemy comes to you. A Captain is all the crew she needs; her other crew, if any, should be someone who gives a SAT or a second action.
 
Unfortunately, the Ark Royal's price tag is a bit high for what you get.
It's the abilities, especially the Broadside, that you're paying for; the abovementioned HMS Nautilus has better speed, more cargo, and better cannons, for four points less. If you want to go Broadsiding, all of England's ships with that ability either cost less or have better guns, or both. But if you want something Eternal, this is the only way to get it under the Union Jack. The bottom line: HMS Ark Royal is a fairly good ship, but a bit overpriced.
 
Goldship rating: 3.0 / 5
Gun Ship rating: 3.1 / 5
Boarding rating: 2.9 / 5
Value for points: 2.9 / 5