The pirate ship performed several roles. The crew had to be fed and kept in readiness. It was also the store room for plunder. As pirate crews were usually larger than those on merchant vessels, space was often at a premium. The ship also provided the means to attack, so it had to be well armed. It was also the sole means of escape, so speed was vital. Or as Daniel Defoe wrote in his General History, it acted "as a light pair of heels being of great use either to take, or to escape being taken." It is difficult to find contemporary illustrations of pirate ships. Pirates altered captured vessels to suit their particular needs, so it is sensible to examine the types of ships they acquired. Traditionally a 'ship refers' to a vessel with three masts and a full suite of square-rigged sails. Very few pirate vessels were 'ships' in the truest sense.
[Original Article]
No comments:
Post a Comment