№ 246-249. The 300th anniversary of the Russian Fleet. Russian Fleet in pieces of art.

During the North War of 1700-1721, the Russian galley fleet of M.M. Golitsin (1675-1730) overwhelmed the Swedish squadron near the island Grengam. The battle pushed on the conclusion of the Nishtad treaty (30 Aug 1721) and the end of the North War.

The Chesman battle tok place during the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. The Russian fleet under command of admirals G.A. Spiridov (1713-1790) and S.K. Kreig (1736-1788) blockade the Turkish fleet in the creek Chesma and smashed it, which provided the Russian fleet with mastery on the Aegean Sea and the blockade of the Dardanelles.

On 2 May 1790 the Swedish fleet consisting of 22 battleships, 4 frigates and 4 small crafts attacked the Russian squadron consisting of 10 battleships. After the two-hour battle the Swedish fleet stopped the attack and retreated, having lost 2 battleships.

Kronstadt was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 as a fortress and a base for defense of St Petersburg from the sea. The port, docks and stores were built in 1712-1716. Kronstadt has been the main port of the Baltic Fleet since the 18th c.