The HMS Racehorse is a  ketch strengthened by the British for Arctic exploration which also had the ability to withstand the pressures of large mounted mortars and were referred to as "Bomb vessels", the Racehorse together with similar vessels was used during the wars with Russia. Nelson served as midshipman on a similar ship to this model.
   HMS RACEHORSE; Bombship; 385 bm; 96.5x30 ft; 8 cannons; The ex-Marquise de Vendrevil, taken in 1757. As arctic discovery ship in 1773. Captured by the Americans and destroyed by them 15th November 1777.