Pinnaces

A pinnace was a type of light, two-masted sailing vessel that was commonly used from the 15th to the 18th centuries. It was characterized by its relatively small size and its speed. Pinnaces were typically rigged with a fore-and-aft mainsail and a square-rigged or triangular fore-sail. They were often used as auxiliary vessels, serving alongside larger warships.

Their versatility made them valuable for various roles. Pinnaces were frequently employed as dispatch boats, carrying messages and important documents between ships or between ships and shore. They also served as scouts, ranging ahead of a fleet to survey the waters, identify potential threats, or search for land. In some instances, pinnaces were armed and used for light combat, patrolling coastal areas or engaging in skirmishes. Their shallow draft allowed them to navigate in confined or shallow waters where larger vessels could not venture.

The design of the pinnace evolved over time, but its core function as a swift and adaptable vessel remained consistent. They were often built with a relatively narrow hull, contributing to their speed. The two-masted rig provided good maneuverability. Pinnaces were a common sight in naval fleets of the period, valued for their ability to perform tasks that larger, more cumbersome ships could not. Their use declined with the advent of more specialized smaller craft and advancements in shipbuilding.