Galiote

Galiote is a French nautical term for a small galley-like vessel used in the Mediterranean and Atlantic from the late Middle Ages into the early modern era. In English, a similar craft is commonly called a galiot or galliot; the terms are cognate and refer to a light, oared vessel designed for speed and maneuverability. Galiotes served in coastal and patrol roles, as dispatch vessels, escorts, and for light raiding, often operating where larger ships could not maneuver easily.

Design and rigging typically featured a shallow draft and a single deck. They were propelled by oars—usually one or two banks on each side—and were rigged with a fore-and-aft sail, commonly a lateen on a short mast, with some examples incorporating an additional mast. Armament was light, often consisting of swivel guns or a small volley of cannons, while the crew numbered in the low tens to a few dozen, depending on the mission and size.

Historically, galiotes appeared in the fleets of several powers, notably France, the Dutch Republic, and Spain, particularly in the Mediterranean and along Atlantic littorals from the 16th to the 18th centuries. They fulfilled coastal defense, patrol, courier, and privateering roles, and sometimes operated as tenders to larger warships. With changes in naval tactics and the emergence of larger sailing ships, the galiote declined as a distinct class by the late 18th century.

Etymology: The term derives from Old French galiote, related to the galley-class vessels; cognate with Italian galea and English galiot.