- Author
- Francis, Richard
- Subjects
- History - general, Ship design and development
- Tags
-
- RAN Ships
- None noted.
- Publication
- March 2003 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
THIS TYPE OF VESSEL was once common in the South China Sea during the colonial period of the 19th century, particularly around Macau. The type meant a vessel of hybrid design, with a hull of European origin, and rudder and sailing rig in Oriental style. These characteristics made for a vessel of speedy nature and good manoeuverability, and generally of tonnage between 30 and 150 tons.
They were built by local craftsmen in Macau, Bangkok, Ningpo and Singapore, either camphor or teak, with two or three masts and mounting guns of varying calibre. They were primarily used for transporting cargo around the Chinese coast but were also used for coastguard and gunboat duties.
Because of their armament, lorchas were often used to provide protection for other trading and fishing vessels as far afield as Korea and Japan. The crew comprised about 15 men, approximately one third Portuguese and the remainder native Chinese. War lorchas with an enhanced armament were used to combat pirates which were prevalent off the Chinese coast well into the early 20th century, despite the best efforts of the patrolling warships of the Great Powers, even the Royal Navy who devoted considerable efforts to eradicate this menace between the wars.
Gradually, as steam vessels made their appearance and proved their capacity to transport merchandise more efficiently along the coast, the lorchas of Macau began to fade from the scene and had completely disappeared by the beginning of the twentieth century. Their only memory now lies in Portuguese museums, including a good example (Museu Maritimo de Macau) bequeathed by that nation to her last colony on its return to China. It is well worth a visit.