the power of Balener

The Balener was also known by a variety of names such as:

• ·        Baleinier,
• ·        Ballenero,
• ·        Baleinier,
• ·        Baleniera.

This ship is very similar to a brig, generally with two masts equipped with square rigged sails. Although there was a bit of variation depending on the individual vessels, this class of ship was typically in the 150 to 200 ton range.

In later years, when whaling became less popular, many of these ships took measure to deter governmental or private interference in their trade. It is difficult to see in the image on the left, but the ship actually has fake cannon holes painted on its hull to give the appearance that it was an armed vessel.