The Maltese vaxxell : the third rates of the Order of St. John, 1700-1798

Abstract

Grand Master Perellos introduced the squadron of third rates and by 1706 they operated regularly against Muslim ships. That year the vaxxelli of the Order won their first encounter against the Barbary corsairs and they never lost a fight against them up to 1798. The Maltese vaxxell was a 56-gun warship which was intended to supplement the forces of the galley squadron. Unfortunately by the beginning of the 18th century the corso in the Mediterranean started to change radically and the introduction of the squadron of third rates of the Order coincided with a marked decline of the zeal of the knights and that of the corsairing activities of the Barbary regencies. The study is a descriptive account of the anatomy of the vaxxell and of the crew members together with an insight into the organization and the daily life on board such ships.