Combat Ships - Season 2 - Eps 6: Galleons and Privateers
In the 16th century, the Spanish Armada were the reigning maritime superpower, with mighty galleons at their disposal. The English, on the other hand, were the upstarts, opportunistic pirates with inferior ships. Led by buccaneering figures such as Francis Drake and John Hawkins, English ships technology began to catch up, leading to the revolutionary "race-built galleons." In 1588, both sides would meet in battle for the right to be declared rulers of the waves.
About Combat Ships

Title: Combat Ships
First Air Date: 2017-06-20
Last Air Date: 2023-05-14
Status: Returning Series
Rating: 8.3/10 (from 3 votes)
Language: EN
Seasons: 4
Total Episodes: 34
Network: Smithsonian Channel
Genres: Documentary
Production Companies: Woodcut Media
Synopsis
The very first submarine, which legend claims lurked beneath New York Harbor during the American Revolutionary War. The small ships that rescued thousands from Dunkirk. The destroyer that forced the easing of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Over the centuries, conflicts have prompted advances to ship designs, making vessels stronger, faster, smarter, and capable of changing the course of wars. Join us as we examine the world's greatest Combat Ships, and reveal how they shaped world history and inspired men and women to acts of incredible courage.