Name: HMS Talon (England)
Card: FS #055 (Uncommon)
Points: 23
Masts: 4
Cargo: 4
Moves: L
Guns : 3L,3S,3S,3S
Hit %: 200 (S), 50 (L)
Ability: Switchblade. This ship ignores the first hit she takes each turn as long as she has all of her masts.

The HMS Talon, like other switchblade ships, is a boarding specialist that can shoot if she has to. Also like other switchblades, she is very, very expensive. What do you get for such a high price tag?

Well, her cannons are among the worst of any switchblade. Her ability is useful in the thick of the action; it's like having an extra mast, in terms of taking damage. Her cargo is good, so you can give her plenty of crew. A potent crew would be Hermione Gold (RF) for the captain and helmsman, Comdr Rhys Griffin Owen (BC) for a reroll, Cmdr Spencer Portland (DJ) for crew protect and a second action, and a Shipwright.
Owen links to one of the others, so that leaves one cargo space free to steal a treasure by boarding. I haven't calculated the sailaway cost of this loadout, because I know I could never afford it.

Switchblades can earn their keep only if they can ram (and board) multiple targets as often as possible. If the enemy keeps his ships separated, you won't be able to do this no matter how many extra actions you get. HMS Talon is a fearsome foe, but a very costly one.

Goldship rating: 3.3 / 5
Gun Ship rating: 3.8 / 5
Boarding rating: 4.0 / 5
Value for points: 2.3 / 5