Is that a Galleon, Galleass or a Galley?

From the dawn of time Man has traveled the seas. The ships of today are technological marvels hundreds of feet in length and are built to carry thousands of barrels of oil to the energy dependent Industrial powers, tons of goods to market or a thousand of passengers on a vacation cruise. Although today air travel is the preferred means to carry people across the vast distances of our world, the simple ship is still an economical and efficient means of carrying bulky goods when time is not of the essence.

Here in the late 20th century, sea travel-though still hazardous-is a reletivly safe endevor. But remember that until late in the 1800s ocean going vessels were for the most part wooden and driven by the wind. They were also known by a variety of names; either because of their function or their looks As we travel through time here in the Maritime History topic, we will encounter many different types of vessels, so I thought a short primer in shipping types was in order. What follows is alphabetically in order from the International Registry of Sunken Ships:

Type History Argosy Large pre-18th century trading vessel

Azogue Spanish mercury carrying vessel

Barkentine 3 or more masts, normally square rigged

Bergantina Small vessel powered by oars or sail,used in the Mediterranean between 14th and 16th centuries

Brigantine Two masted vessel, square rigged

Budgerow A cabined passenger vessel used mainly on the rivers of India

Caravel Small sailing vessel of the 15th/16th century. Used mainly by the Spanish and Portuguese

Carrack Similar to a galleon but not so sturdy and slower. Used mainly as a merchant. Square rigged.

Cog A broad beam trading vessel used mainly in Europe between the 13th and 15th centuries

Dhow Small lateen rigged sailing vessel used mainly in the Indian Ocean

Drifter Normally used for fishing, uses the tides and winds to cause it to be carried along

Flute A vessel used strictly for cargo or personnel transportation. Designed as a large vessel with a flat bottom. Normally armed

Galera A Spanish galley type warship Galleass A hybrid craft, half sail and half oared. Long and narrow. Could carry up to 50 guns. Able to operate in calm weather. Galley slaves were chained to the benches.

Galleon Large sailing vessel, normally square rigged, used between the 15th and 17th century.

Galley A low, long vessel propelled either by oars or sail. These are the vessels associated with the ancient times of Greece and Rome. Still in use between 1500 and 1600.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic