From the middle of the 17th century, the tactics of naval combat changed, victory was decided by artillery fire thanks to advances and improvements in cannons. It is the time of the tall ship with several bridges bristling with cannons.
Aided by the impulse of the sails, and the skill in using them, the ships maneuvered looking for the best position. Navigating online they presented the artillery flank. The speed, the skill and the cold blood, meant to shoot more and better, the victory or the defeat was the result.
The ships are increasing in tonnage and number of cannons. Due to their lower cost, iron cannons ended up prevailing over bronze ones, equipping a ship with bronze could cost as much as the ship itself.
The galleys did not disappear, but they were used exclusively in the Mediterranean, while in the Atlantic the “nao” and the large-tonnage galleon were the most used.
The speed of the ship, to approach others of lesser power, or walk away from those who surpassed him, led to chases that could last days.