The Order of Malta. Ships. Galleys.

[Anatol]

The Order of Malta had a small but well-organized fleet, including a considerable number of galleys. Beginning in the mid-16th century, its commanders were primarily French, but the rank-and-file officers came from all over Europe. The Maltese galleys were constantly engaged in cruising duty (caravane) against the Turks and Algerians in the Mediterranean, essentially countering the North African corsairs, allies of the Ottoman Empire. They were considered their most dangerous enemies.
The effective lifespan of galleys at that time averaged six to eight years. Another characteristic of galleys is worth mentioning: they were used only in groups; deploying them alone was ineffective. Due to the mutual influence of galley construction technologies in various countries, differences in their design were extremely minor, with the possible exception of external decoration. The galleys of the Order of Malta were virtually identical to those built in Venice, Marseille, or Istanbul. Moreover, Malta often ordered the construction of its galleys from shipyards in other European countries.
The flagship galley, on which the General of the Galleys flew the flag, was called the ‘Capitana’. This type of galley was distinguished by its large size, having from 28 to 30 oars on each side and five rowers on each oar. For propulsion under sail, there were two, sometimes three, masts with lateen rigging. Their distinctive features were also the presence of a large stern superstructure (carosse) and a red paint job. The main dimensions of the galley ‘Capitana’: length between perpendiculars 184 feet (56.08 m); greatest breadth along the planking 24 5/6 feet (7.56 m); draft 8 1/2 feet (2.6 m). Artillery armament - one 36-pounder, two eight- and two six-pounder guns on the bow, 18 culverins and 18 muskets on the sides. The second largest and most heavily armed galley was of the 'Padrona' type and had 27 oars per side. Standard galleys had 26 oars per side.
1. Grand Master Pinto da Fonseca's flagship galley
2. The Maltese galley "Capitana" enters the large port of Valletta on its way back from a cruise.
3. Various Maltese galleys.
Portugal 2013; 1.95 e. Ms. Bulgaria 1980; 35 s. Sovereign Order of Malta (SVMO) 1968; 1 t.
Source: https://galea-galley.livejournal.com/70667.html?es=2