Protected Cruisers: Novik 1900

[Brian James]

Russian Protected Cruiser Novik pictured under construction at Schichau Shipyards, Elbing near Danzig in 1900 and visiting Brest in 1902....Novik was ordered as a part of a program to bolster the Russian Pacific Fleet with a 3000-ton Class reconnaissance Cruiser. Shipbuilders from several countries offered designs, and eventually the German shipbuilders Schichau-Werke, better known for its torpedo boats was selected. The new Cruiser was launched on August 2nd 1900 and her trials began on May 2nd 1901. Some initial vibration problems were experienced with her screws, but testing was completed on April 23rd 1902 with five test runs at an average speed of 25.08 knots. This made Novik one of the fastest Cruisers in the world at the time.