Bring naval battles to life with our wargames, adaptable to both kids and the serious naval historian.
Ship’s Company offers lectures, unique displays, and simulations of squadron and fleet actions of our nation’s history and the golden age of sail:
American War of Independence -- 1772-1783
Wars of the French Revolution & Napoleonic Empire – 1793-1815
War of 1812 -- 1812-1815
Based in the upper Chesapeake region, we work with museums, historic sites, historical organizations, clubs, and schools to offer these interactive demos at cost. Our pre-prepared lecture/displays include:
American Revolution: Battle of Cape Henry 1781
Napoleonic Wars: Battle of the Nile 1798 (Nelson’s finest victory)
War of 1812: Frigate Action off Nantucket 1812 (variant)
Dozens more battles from the above three periods and the 1740s War of Austrian Succession are available with sufficient lead-time, with additional preparation fee.
wargaming system
We utilize the Close Action (3rd Ed.) wargaming system with detailed 1.5” miniature ship models on a custom table-top hex-ocean ‘battlefield’.
battlefield size
Our tables and maps are each 3x6 ft, ideal for squadron actions and smaller fleet battles of roughly half dozen to a couple dozen ships. We also offer a smaller 2x3 ft map suitable for smaller spaces.
Battle of the Nile (1798) at the 1805 Club (example of 2x3ft map for smaller spaces)
Battle of Cape Henry (1781). Todd’s Inheritance, Baltimore.
How to Inquire & Book Fleet Actions
Contact our senior lecturer, Michael Bosworth at Michael.Bosworth@mac.com. In the inquiry phase, he’ll be able to answer your questions, learn of your site/organization’s goals, time period, event schedule, etc. He can then suggest options at various budget levels & provide a quote within couple days. What can our mutual brainstorming come up with to fit your event and produce a unique, stimulating, educational, and fun program?
Options (for all periods previously outlined) include:
Accurately costumed speaker with a 30-45 min lecture (+ 15 min Q&A)
Interpreter(s) with navigation or sail-making equipment and talk
Interpreter, map-ocean & tiny ships for fleet action shorts with passing visitors
Two costumed interpreters playing a ‘mostly fleet movement’ scenario (1-2 hrs for a small ship-duel or squadron action, 2-3 hrs for a dozen-ship medium fleet action like Cape Henry)
Full game (fleet movement & combat) with one costumed interpreter, gamemaster, and up to 6 players, with each visitor commanding a ship (fleet movement & combat) with one costumed interpreter, gamemaster, and up to 6 players, with each visitor commanding a ship. (2-3 hours for a small ship-duel or squadron action, 3-5 hours for a dozen-ship medium fleet action)
Close Action Northern Virginia
The models, larger map, and Close Action game/simulation rules are used monthly at the “Close Action Northern Virginia” (CANoVA) game. Drop in unannounced to observe game play and the equipment, or sign up by the Monday COB prior at CloseActionNoVA@gmail.com to play. All Close Action skill levels welcome, from total novice/1st-timer (instruction provided) to experienced.
3rd Thursday of the month, 6-10 PM. Fairfax County Government Center Community Room: 1437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean, VA 22101
Steven Lampredi provides assistance as well as practical instruction on historic seamanship.
Mike Bosworth portraying an officer of the US Navy, War of 1812.