Kronan, also called Stora Kronan, was a Swedish warship that was the flagship of the Swedish navy in the Baltic Sea in the 1670s. When built, she was one of the largest seagoing vessels in the world. The construction of Kronan lasted 1668–72, delayed on account of difficulties with financing and conflict between her shipwright Francis Sheldon and the Swedish Admiralty. After only four years of service she sank in rough weather at the Battle of Öland on 1 June 1676 when she turned too hard with too much sail. She began to founder, her powder magazine ignited and exploded, blowing off most of the bow structure. This caused her to quickly sink. Around 800 men died, and over one hundred heavy guns were lost, along with valuable equipment and large quantities of silver and gold coins.