The Vanguard class was designed by Sir William Symonds, Surveyor of the Navy, with each ship built with a slightly different hull shape to evaluate their speed and handling characteristics.

[1] After commissioning, Superb joined the Channel Fleet under the command of Captain Armar Lowry Corry.

They engaged in three competitive cruises to test Symonds’ new hull designs against older, traditionally built warships.

The whole Squadron was reviewed by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert at Spithead on 22 June and the trials were completed by December, Superb having proved to be the fastest ship in the last cruise.

[4] In November 1848, Superb joined the Mediterranean Fleet, and continued there until paying off into the reserve at HM Dockyard, Chatham in June 1852.