What are the dimensions of a Spanish galleon?
A typical Spanish galleon was 100-150 feet (30-45 m) in length and 40-50 feet (12-15 m) wide (the preferred ratio was 3:1 or 4:1). The hull on either side tapered in towards the centre to create a more stable ship, particularly useful when firing its cannons.
What was life like on a galleon?
On board would be the sailing crew and their commanders, numbering about 80, and soldiers with their officers, about 120. With so many people (and animals, kept for fresh meat, milk and eggs) crowded together in a small space, conditions on board a galleon could become extremely unpleasant—noisy, filthy and smelly.
How much weight could a Spanish galleon carry?
500 tons
With an average capacity of 500 tons (453.59 met ton), as many as 60 cannons could be filled in the various gun decks of the galleon. Galleon construction required a large number of resources.
What were Spanish galleons made of?
Galleons were constructed from oak (for the keel), pine (for the masts) and various hardwoods for hull and decking. Hulls were usually carvel-built. The expenses involved in galleon construction were enormous.
What is a Spanish galleon?
A Spanish Galleon was a huge sailing ship that was comprised of multiple decks that were constructed and used by European states between the 16th and 18th centuries. Actually, it is very likely that these kinds of ships were used for crusades throughout the 12th and 13th centuries.
How many trees does it take to make a galleon?
The ships were still made of oak and were very strong. About 2000 trees were needed to build one warship. The planks of the ship were fixed edge-to-edge with wooden pegs called treenails.
What dangers did sailors face?
Seamen were often cold and wet, rats carried disease, and a poor diet not only caused malnutrition, but specific illnesses such as scurvy – caused by a lack of vitamin C in the diet. As well as injury from shipboard accidents, there was risk of death or maiming in times of battle.
What are the common medical issues encountered by seafarer?
7 Dangerous Diseases/Disorders Seafarers Should Be Aware Of
- Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS):
- Cardio-Vascular Disease (CVD):
- Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD):
- Cancer:
- Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD):
- Pandemic And Epidemic Diseases:
- Hypertension:
How fast could a Spanish galleon sail?
Most galleons were four masted ships (although some were only three. The stern most mast was known as the bon-adventure mast and was rigged with a lanteen sails which gave the ship great maneuverability especially in the wind. For their size, Galleon had great speed (about eight knots).
What did galleons carry?
A large Spanish galleon could carry at least 40 heavy cannons below decks. Additional smaller cannons were mounted on swivel posts at various points on the top deck; these typically had a calibre of 90 mm (3.5 inches).
What were Spanish galleons used for?
What did Spanish galleon ships carry?
The ships leaving Havana were crammed full of New World products. Gold and silver in coins and bars, property of the king, were carried aboard the heavily armed escort galleons.