Scale Model Ships

Nao is the Spanish term for ship; specifically, a vessel with large superstructures at the prow (forecastle) and stern (quarterdeck), propelled by a sail, and with a large load capacity.

These ships sailed the Mediterranean during the 12th and 13th centuries. The peak of their development came in the 16th century, when they became the protagonists of the great geographical discoveries and were used by the first fleets destined for the Indies.

The structural strength, the careful design of the hulls, the specialization of their masting, and their sails made them tough, seaworthy, fast ships, able to cope with the complicated seas of the transoceanic sailings.

Magellan and Elcano's voyage began with five ships: San Antonio, Trinidad, Concepción, Victoria, and Santiago.

These ships had to carry equipment, supplies, charts, and nautical instruments for a crew totaling 237 men.

San Antonio

Cost: 330,000 maravedís
Load: 120 casks (288,000 pounds -144 metric tons)
Masting: 3 masts
Crew: 56 men
Deserted: The Strait of Magellan (returned to Seville)

Trinidad

Construction: Bilbao
Cost: 270,000 maravedís
Load: 110 casks (297,624 pounds-135 metric tons)
Masting: 3 masts
Crew: 62 men
Wrecked or abandoned: 1523, captured by the Portuguese

Concepción

Cost: 228,000 maravedís
Load: 90 casks (264,555 pounds-120 metric tons)
Masting: 3 masts
Crew: 44 men
Wrecked or abandoned: Island of Bohol

Victoria

Construction: Zarautz
Cost: 300,000 maravedís
Load: 85 casks (242,508 pounds-110 metric tons)
Masting: 3 masts
Crew: 45 men
Wrecked or abandoned: 1570, on the journey from the Indies to Seville

Santiago

Cost: 187,500 maravedís
Load: 75 casks (198,400 pounds-90 metric tons)
Masting: 3 masts
Crew: 32 men
Wrecked or abandoned: Patagonia