Santa Margarita's Action - Commissioned oil on canvas by Geoff Hunt RSMA.

The two frigates HMS Unicorn and HMS Santa Margarita formed part of the so-called Irish Guard, a squadron tasked with preventing French landing attempts on Ireland.

In June 1796, these two ships brought to action a French squadron of nearly equal force. The action resolved itself into two single-ship actions, Santa Margarita engaging and quickly capturing the Tamise, as seen here, while Unicorn chased La Tribune (seen at the left).

In one of the very many cases of swapped nationalities, the Santa Margarita had originally been Spanish, while the Tamise had been the British Thames - and now would be again.

Oil on canvas, 20 x 24 inches.  Commissioned for an American client, 2022