Galleass

The galleass was a large war galley of the sixteenth century that combined the oar-powered maneuverability of the traditional Mediterranean galley with a taller hull, heavier broadside armament, and additional sail area more typical of a sailing warship. Rowed by large crews when becalmed or maneuvering for battle and sailed under favorable wind, galleasses carried far more cannon than an ordinary galley and could deliver sustained broadside fire while still closing on an enemy under oar power. Venice built galleasses as a heavier complement to its war galley fleets, and a handful played a notable role at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, where their firepower disrupted the opposing formation before the main battle lines engaged. The type fell out of use as purely sail-powered warships came to dominate naval warfare in the following century.