Preparing for the voyage
Inside a Galleon. This picture shows the amount of people travelling to the Indies. Illustration by Stephen Biesty.
Castles were essential for defending the boat from bow to stern.
Crates held iron, wax, soap, books, weapons, glass objects and fine materials.
Stays and rigging used to support the masts and manage the sails.
Capstans used for lifting and moving heavy weights.
Cannons were powerful offensive weapons.
Some barrels were used to transport mercury and nails.
Earthenware jugs were filled with oil and vinegar.
Quintaleños" (hundredweight ceramic vessels) and earthenware jugs held oil and wine.
Hogsheads carried salted meat and fish, broad beans, chickpeas and rice.
Sacks held bread, firewood and salt.
Bundles were used to wrap materials.
Hoists to lift the yards and sails.
Loading the ship
Video 1
Video 2
A crew's first mission was to load the ship with food for sustenance and the goods that had to be transported.
Ch. Weiditz, 1529.
Biblioteca Provincial, Sevilla.
Ch. Weiditz, 1529.
Biblioteca Provincial, Sevilla.
What did they eat?
Hardtack (bread, double-baked for preservation), water, wine, olive oil, salted meat and fish, broad beans, chickpeas, rice, salt and cheese.
Water, essential for survival. Ch. Weiditz, 1529.
Biblioteca Provincial, Sevilla.
In addition to food and supplies, ships also carried live animals.
Ch. Weiditz, 1529.
Biblioteca Provincial, Sevilla.
Pitch and oakum
Caulkers packed pitch and oakum into the joints of the hull and decks to make the ship waterproof.
Caulker applying oakum.
Ch. Weiditz, 1529.