The Corsair Pirate Ship:
The Brigantine had a square-rigged foremast and fore-and-aft sails attached to the main mast, allowing it quick maneuverability while maintaining twice the cargo space of a sloop. It quickly became one of the most popular ships among pirates due to its versatility. On average, a brigantine held as many as 100 pirates and was decked with cannons.
Privateers:
The piracy in the Caribbean was a result of the relationships between larger international trends within colonies. Due to the massive cost of naval control, private vessels were commissioned for a substantial share of whatever plunders could be captured from enemies. The substantial profits from privateering resulted in noble investors realizing the large return in working with pirates.
Buccaneers:
The term “Buccaneer” arrived in the 1630’s. The original Buccaneers were colonial fugitives forced to survive on open waters. These naval skills were easily and readily transferred over into piracy, their combat was regarded as ferocious. The buccaneers operated with colonial support from colonies fighting against the Spanish armada until the 1700s where their activities were granted legality.
The buccaneers were civilized and peculiar as compared to the pirate stigma. Their pirate crews operated through democracy, and the captain was voted upon. As a leader he had to prove his worth in both democracy and in battle. Plunder was divided into shares depending on the worth of the officers, whether they had greater skills or took greater risks.
The end of the classic age of Piracy:
Piracy declined with the rise of the military and national armies in Europe. The call for mercenaries dwindled following the end of the 30 years war and national power expanded. As armies were brought under Royal control, privateering was quickly obliterated. Naval missions stretched to cover the destruction of piracy. By the 1720s it was difficult to locate piracy in an of the open seas.
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Model Ship Selection