Galley

Pirate Ship

Galley had a long history, dating back to the ancient times. They were used widely by the pirates of the Barbary Coast in the Mediterranean in the 15th and the 16th century. They were usually long and lean, with one or more masts rigged with the lateen sails. However, the main source of speed didn't come from the masts. It came from the oars rowed by salves or convicts below the flush deck. A galley had a shallow draft and only one deck. There were only few guns mounted because the attacks were usually based on manpower. Therefore, 100 or more pirates were always ready to overpower the other crew. Perhaps the most famous one was the “Adventure Galley”. It was made in England for Captain William Kidd's privateering work in 1695.