California History Guide > Aboard A Spanish Galleon

Above Decks

Repairing sails and rope were two of the sailors most important jobs and kept the sailors busy. Repairs constantly needed to be done during the voyage. In good weather, sailors also swabbed, or mopped, the decks and made other repairs.

On top of all this, there as the work of actually sailing. Sails had to be raised, lowered, and adjusted with a heavy and complicated system of ropes and pulleys. The sailors had to know the name and location of all the ropes and sails, even in the dark, since the ship's and crew's safety depended on their knowledge. Climbing up and down the ropes could be quite dangerous, since a high wind could not only sway the sails and rope, but could tear the sails or break masts.

Another important job was the lookout. The lookouts kept watch high up in the crow's nest at the top of the mast and watched for other ships that might be a threat, or other hazards. The lookouts also looked for land, which was not only important for navigation, but was key for finding supplies to restock the ship.

The captain had a very different life than his men. His quarters were much larger and more comfortable since they were above deck and had large windows.