The late 16th century was a thrilling time of maritime exploration and expansion. It was the golden age of piracy, with the great maritime powers—Spain and Portugal—facing emerging threats from England and the Netherlands. During this time, a naval battle unfolded that showcased the surprising advantages of an older ship design—the mighty Carack—against the sleek new Galley ships of England. This clash, which took place in 1586, is a fascinating glimpse into the world of sea warfare and the technology that shaped it.

Sir Francis Drake’s Impact on England’s Naval Ambitions

It all started in 1580 when the infamous English pirate Sir Francis Drake completed his first circumnavigation of the globe. His success ignited a fire of expansionist zeal across England. British merchants eagerly invested in pirate fleets, hoping to profit from the riches of the Americas. Young men, looking for fame and fortune, rushed to join these expeditions, hoping to make a name for themselves—and earn big rewards far beyond the ordinary wage.

Queen Elizabeth I, keen to challenge Spain’s dominance and raise her own international stature, poured support into these ventures. By 1585, Drake had gathered a fleet of 23 ships, including 2 from the Royal Navy, and 2500 men—including sailors, soldiers, and pirates. The English were eager for conquest, and their piracy was a thorn in the side of the Spanish Empire.

The Battle with the “Carack”: A Clash of Technologies

In early 1586, a Portuguese ship, the Rias Magos, was making its way to the Far East with a warning for the East Indies about potential English attacks. Commanded by João, an experienced officer, the ship was a Carack—a sturdy, massive vessel that, while outdated by newer standards, still had some tricks up its sleeve. This would soon prove invaluable when two British pirate ships—much faster but smaller, more agile—caught up with the Rias Magos off the coast of Africa.

The pirates, aboard two Galley ships, took advantage of their speed to chase down the Rias Magos. However, the massive Carack was not to be underestimated. As the pirates approached, the Portuguese crew braced for battle, taking positions on the ship’s various decks and fortifying their defense.

The battle began at sunrise, with the British pirates demanding the Portuguese surrender. The Portuguese, determined to fight, fired back with their cannons. A fierce artillery duel ensued, but the cannonballs used at the time didn’t have the range or power to cause significant damage to the heavy Carack’s hull. The British, though equipped with superior cannon technology, struggled with the rough seas, making it difficult to aim properly.

The Turning Point: Why the Carack Outperformed the Galley

The real advantage of the Carack came into play when the pirates, in an attempt to board the ship, tried to use their agility against the slower vessel. The British ships were fast and nimble, but the Rias Magos had something they didn’t—space and manpower. With over 200 men aboard, the Rias Magos was more than a match for the pirates’ 120. The Portuguese crew fought valiantly, using their superior numbers and positioning to fend off the attackers.

In a brutal boarding action, the Portuguese were able to hold their ground. Despite the pirates’ attempts to take over the ship, the Carack’s robust structure and defensive capabilities kept the English at bay. The pirates soon realized they couldn’t win this fight—after two hours of fierce combat, they were forced to retreat.

The Aftermath and the Enduring Legacy of the Carack

Though the Rias Magos had sustained some damage, the Portuguese had held their ground, and the pirates, unable to continue the fight, pulled back. They attempted to chase the Carack once more but found their ships too damaged and slow to catch up. By nightfall, the pirates had disappeared into the distance.

Remarkably, the Rias Magos continued its journey to the East, where it delivered its warning about the impending threat from the English. The Carack, despite its outdated design, was far from obsolete. In fact, it would continue to serve well into the next century—outlasting the ships that tried to replace it.

This battle highlights the importance of naval technology in the age of exploration and how older designs, like the Carack, could still hold their ground against newer, faster ships. In many ways, the clash between the Rias Magos and the British pirates exemplifies the eternal naval truth: speed is important, but sturdiness and manpower are often the deciding factors.

The Cultural Legacy of the Carack

The Carack’s resilience in battle serves as a reminder that technological advancements aren’t always a guarantee of victory. Sometimes, the tried and tested methods still hold their value in the face of innovation. The battle also speaks to the dynamics of naval power, the dangers of piracy, and the incredible risks that sailors took during the age of exploration.

In modern terms, the legacy of this battle can be seen in the way we often romanticize the past. Whether in movies, books, or historical discussions, the Carack continues to symbolize the enduring power of traditional techniques, even in the face of rapid technological change. The lesson is clear: sometimes, the old ways have more to teach us than we realize.