The Flanders Galleys (3)
As I extend my research, I begin to understand the scope of my task, which exceeds the size of a short article. I decided to divide my essay into working blocks. The outline of the first block: 1. Uncorking the Atlantic route 2. The Venetian response a. Propulsion b. Speed 3. Safety and security a. General b. Safety c. Security The first topic focuses on the Genoese merchants' response to an unfriendly reception in France on their way to the Champagne Fairs and their search for an alternative route, which led them to Bruges. Initially run by light galleys, the Flanders line soon switched to round ships. The shipbuilders designed a new type, the three-masted Mediterranean cog, which combined the construction traditions of North and South Europe, to transport bulky commodities. The Venetians responded to the launch of a new route by designing a great galley, a hybrid craft that could serve both as a warship and a cargo vessel. The boat could sail in all seasons but could...