Naval History Glossary

Definitions of terms used in the Naval History section of Vientos de Poniente.

Ship of the Line

Large warship carrying 60 to 120 guns on two or three decks. The backbone of 18th-century navies, designed to fight in the line of battle.

Frigate

Smaller, faster warship with a single gun deck (24 to 44 guns). Used for reconnaissance, escort, and independent missions.

Gaztaneta System

Shipbuilding method developed by Antonio de Gaztaneta (1720). Characterized by robust, wide-beamed hulls prioritizing solidity over speed.

Jorge Juan System

Hybrid construction system combining English fine-lined hulls with Iberian structural reinforcements. Introduced by Jorge Juan after his intelligence mission to England (1749).

Carronade

Short-barreled, large-caliber naval gun designed for close-range combat. Known as “the smasher” for its destructive power. Adopted by the Spanish Navy after trials in Cadiz (1790-1797).

Long Gun

Long-barreled artillery piece in 12, 18 and 24-pounder calibers. Used for long-range combat, penetrating the enemy hull before boarding.

Royal Spanish Navy (Real Armada)

Official name of the Spanish Navy during the Ancien Regime, particularly under the Bourbon dynasty in the 18th century.

Privateering (Corso)

Activity of privately-owned ships authorized by the Crown to attack and capture enemy vessels during wartime. Regulated by the Privateering Ordinances.