Trade Galleons are large merchant vessels used extensively by the Spanish in the Caribbean. These ships are designed for stability and reliability and are well-suited for the long and dangerous voyages across the North Atlantic Ocean. However, seaworthiness has been achieved at the expense of maneuverability: galleons are slow to turn and especially slow when sailing close-hauled. Tacking into the wind is very difficult for this type of ship.
Though these vessels can carry a large number of cannon and crew, their poor agility makes them vulnerable to attack by a fast and maneuverable opponent - as long as the opponent manages to keep out of the way of the galleon's broadsides.
The basic galleon design has been modified extensively over time, and there are a number of common variations, including the Royal Galleon and Treasure Galleon. |
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