The brigantine carried a square-rigged foremast and a fore-and-aft rigged mainmast, giving it flexibility in varied winds and making it larger and better crewed than a sloop while still fast enough for chase and boarding. It bridged the gap between small raiders and full warships, useful for piracy and trade alike, and was a popular vessel for pirates to convert after capture.
Quick Facts
| Ship Class | Merchant-Raider |
|---|---|
| Era Used | 17th-18th century |
| Typical Crew | 100-150 |
| Guns / Cannons | 8-12 cannons |
| Speed / Handling | Fast, versatile across varied winds |
| Notable Use | Used during parts of Bartholomew Roberts's career; common privateer conversion |
Learn More
As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.


