Historical
Background - La Santa Margarita was
a heavily armed galleon of the Spanish Tierra Firme treasure
 fleet
of 1622. Her
sister
ships include
the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, the Nuestra Senora Del Rosario
and the Consolation. These guardian ships and the cargo
vessels they protected made up the Tierra Firme treasure
fleet of
1622, in total, 28 ships.
These yearly Spanish treasure fleets
were used to transport the wealth of the New World from
South America to Spain.
Along with the gold, silver and precious jewels the cargo
ships transported more usual items like copper, tobacco and
indigo. Besides what was on the official ship manifests,
passengers would frequently smuggle large quantities of treasure
to avoid paying the Spanish government's 20% tax.
After much delay, the Tierre Firme
fleet left Havana on September 4th, 1622, heavy with its
rich cargo. Two days
later, the fleet was hit by a hurricane in the area of the
Florida Keys, known by the Spanish as Matecumbe. By the morning
of the 6th of September, eight vessels, including the Atocha,
Rosario, Consolation and Santa Margarita were lost.
The remaining ships in the flotilla
managed to make their way back to Havana. Salvage operations
continued for several
years, but deep water made the recovery difficult and additional
hurricanes scattered the wreckage over a large area between
the Dry Tortugas and the Marquesas Keys. Only a small portion
of the lost treasure was recovered.
At the time, the Spanish Crown was at war with Britain in
the 30 years war. The money from the Tierra Firme treasure
fleet was desperately needed to continue the financing of
the war against Britain. The Spanish government was financially
devastated by the loss of this and several other treasure
fleets. These losses and the constant attacks by the Dutch,
British and French led to the eventual decline of the vast
Spanish empire.
 Galleon
Crew Hierarchy - The information here
is reprinted from information located in the Mel Fisher
Maritime  Museum, Key West, Florida. This
information applied directly to the Atocha, but is
said to be fairly typical of the organization encountered
throughout the Spanish treasure fleets of the era.
Officer
Chain of Command
Almirante [Admiral]
Second in charge of the fleet, and senior officer on board.
Capitane de Mar y Guerra [Captain]
In nominal command of the vessel, although most of the seamanship
activities were left in the hands of the Pilot and Contramestre. Maestre (de plata) [Master (of the silver)]
Organized the stowage of cargo, and supervised the running
of the vessel. A major responsibility was to oversee the
silver bullion carried on board, and to record its loading
and unloading.
Piloto [Pilot]
The pilot was in charge of navigation, and was an experienced
seaman.
Companero de Pilot [Assistant Pilot]
Assisted the pilot, and acted as an apprentice navigator.
Contrmaestre [Boatswain]
The main seaman on board, he was in charge of all aspects
of sailing and seamanship.
Guardian [Boatswain's Mate]
Acted as the assistant to the Contramaestre and was a competent
and experienced seaman in his own right.
Codestable [Master Gunner]
Oversaw all aspects of gunnery on board, and was in charge
with the safe stowage of powder and shot.
Armero [Armourer]
Assited the Codestable and also was charged with stowing
and repairing all small arms carried on board.
Alferez [Infantry Lieutenant/Ensign]
He commanded the infantry company on board under the captain
and took charge of them when in action.
Dispensero [Purser]
Controlled all foodstuffs and water on board, and rationed
them when stocks were low.
Escribano [Notary/Surveyer]
Assisted the Maestre de Plata in recording the loading and
unloading of cargo. He was responsible for keeping the
ship's records.
Capellan [Priest]
Oversaw the spiritual welfare of the crew and passengers
Crew Pecking
Order
Soldados [Soldiers]
Consisted of sergeants, corporals, standard bearer, drummers,
gentlemen volunteers and solders.
Marieneros [Seaman]
Included coopers, caulkers, carpenters, a surgeon, a steward,
a diver, a trumpeter and experienced seaman.
Grumetes [Apprentice Seaman]
Inexperienced Seaman, typically teenagers.
Artilleros [Gunners]
Gun Captains who would be assisted by sailors during battle.
Pages [Servants]
Typically, young boys
Crew
Member Names - The information here
is reprinted from information located in the Mel Fisher
Maritime Museum, Key West, Florida.
 These are the actual crew names and ranks of the Santa Margarita
crew and passengers. Notations are also made of their father's
name (hixo de ___), their home town (natural de ___) and
whether or not they survived.
NOTE: This list is not yet complete and probably contains
numerous inaccuracies. Pictures of the complete list can
be seen in the Mel Fisher Museum pictures, located on the
Tall Ships page.
Spanish Galeon La Santa Margarita
Compania del Capitain don Bernardino de Lugo
Capitan D. Berrnardino de Lugo (saved)
Alferez D. Diego de Contrereas
Sargento D. Francifco de Bario (saved)
Auanderado Juan Lopez (saved)
Pifaro Felipe de Be?????
Atambor Dinubgi Perez (saved)
Soldados:
Cabo, Pedro Martinez de Aliende
Juan Loren?o hixo del mifmo, natural de Po?teudra
M. Alonfo Galdamex (saved)
M. Andres de Ribas
El Sargento Chrift???l Caualtero
M. Geronimo de Muron hixo de Martin, natural de Arcos
Cabo Geronimo Ortiz
M. Juan Antonio Puche, hixo del mifmo, natural de Cartegene
de L????te (saved)
Alonfo Hernandez de Zafea
Cabo Miguel Rico, hixo de ???, natural de ????????
M. Gafpar del Real, hixo de ????, natural de Carmona
Juan Rodruguez, hixo de Pedro Gon?alez, natural de Ayamonte
Miguel Aguado, hixo de Anton, natural de Villalto
Antonio de Ca??o, hixo de Pedro Fernandez, natural de Montilla
A. Francifco Nauarro, hixo del mifmo, natural de Carmonz
(saved)
M. Juan de E?Qui??l, hixo de Juan B?????, natural de Moren
M. Tomas de Herrera, hixo de Antonio, natural de Sevilla
A. Diego de Aliende, hixo de Pedro, natural de Vitera
Martin Munoz, hiso de Andres, natural de Motilla? (saved)
Hernando de Sarabia, hixo de Diego Rodriguez, natural de
Caceres
A. Don Francifco de Sepulueda, hixo de Pedro natural de Sevilla
A. Francifco Cortes, hixo de Juan Cauallero, natural de Sanlucar
A. Antonio Pedrique, hixo de Diego, natural de Sanlucar (saved)
A. Don Roque de Velafco, hixo de Jon Alon?o, natural de Maranda
A. Don Antonio de Velafco, hixo de D. Alonfo, natural de
Miranda (saved)
A. Francifco de Landa, hixo del mifmo, natural de Villareal
A. Jufepe Ribera, hixo de Pedro, natural de Savilla
A. Pedro de Velafco, hixo del mifmo, natural de Niebla
A. El alferez Juan Bau???? de Santiago
A. Alonfo Guerra, hixo del mifmo, natural de Sevilla
Geronimo de Morales, hixo de Gabirel, natural de Sevilla
A. Francifco Cla?ixo, hixo de Pedro, natural de Malaga
A. Muguel Fernandez, hixo del mifmo, natural de Leon (saved)
Jayme Ferrer hixo del mifmo, natural de El???
A. Pedro Martin hixo del mifmo, Loren>o, natural de Sanlucar
A. Martin de Mota hixo del mifmo, natural de C??dad-Rodrigo
A. Benito Sanchez Neuado hixo de Juan, natual de Ca???es
A. Pedro de Cabria hixo del mifmo, natural de Reinofo (saved)
A. Juan de Villanueva hixo de Juan ????? natural de Sanlucar
Officers:
Meastre del Plata - Pedro Gutierres de Espinosa.
Su agente - Agu____ de Aguirte
Maestre de raciones - Martin de Perosodia
Contramaeste Christoval Denirez hizo del mifmo, natural de
Sanlucar
Guardian Juan Baueista de Valuerde, hixo de Christoual Sanchez,
natural de Cadiz. (Saved)
Despensereo - Juan De Veas hixo de Hernando, natual del poerti
de Santa Maria.
Alguazil de aqua - Lorenco Garcia hixo del mismo, natural
de Sevilla.
Calafate - Hernando de Marales hixo del mismo, natural de
Sevilla.
Tonelero - Ivan Miguel hixo de Martin Tonar, natural de Sevilla.
(saved)
Tonelero - Geronimo de Leon hixo de Gaspar Romero, natural
de Sevilla (saved)
Calafate Lope Mexia hixo de Alonso Diaz, natural de Triana
(saved)
Escriuano Toridbio de Valdes hixo de ???, natural de Ouido.
Carpintero Diego de la Rocha (saved)
Capelton.El Licenciado - Antonio Ortiz Ponce clerigo presbitero.
Piloto - Diego Roman
Su acompanado Insepe Geronimo. (saved)
Cirujano - Juan de Mercado.
Marineros:
Juan Duarte hixo de Miguel, natural del Passage. No se embarco,
qui quedo ensermo en el hofpital de la Habana.
Chistoual Sanchex hixo del mismo, natural de Cadiz. (saved)
Francisico Lopez Correa hixo de Ivan Rodriguez, natural de
Cadiz. (saved)
Rodrigo de Hojeda hixo de Pedro Telles, natural de Sanlucar
(saved)
Juan de Barrios hixo del mismo, natual del Triana (saved)
Miguel Vicente hixo de Vincente Miguel, natural de Sanlucar
(saved)
Juan Benitez hixo del mismo, natural del puerto de Santa
Maria. (saved)
Marcos Murios hixo de Pedro, natural de Santa ??r (saved)
Antonio Cordero hixo de Luis, natural de A??????? (saved)
Antonio Zamorano hixo del ??????, natural de Ayamonte (saved)
Sebastian de Duesias, hixo de Alexo Rodriguez.
Christival Rodruiguez, hixo de Esteuan, natural de Xerez.
Christoual Duran, hixo del mismo, natural de Sanlucar, (saved),
porgue fe embasto en orro galeon.
Fransico Correa, hixo del mifmo, natural de Ayamonte. (saved)
Rodrigo Alonfo, hixo de Juan de Moron, natural de Ayamonte
(saved)
Martin Ximenex, hixo del mifmo, natural de Ayamonte. (saved)
Pedro Sanchez, hixo de Efteuan, natural de Ayamonte (saved)
Fransisco Melgarejo, hixo de Juan Ruyz, natural de Sevilla.
(saved)
Pedro Gon?alez, hixo de Domingo, natural de Sevilla.
Juan de Mendo?a, hixo de Tome, natural de Canaria.
Miguel Geronimo, hixo de Martin Ribera, natural de Cadiz.
(saved)
Sebaftian Munoz, hixo de Francifco, natural de Sanlucar
Miguel de Efpinofa, hixo de Francifco, natural de Sanlucar
Juan Rodriguez (saved)
Gaspar de los Reyes
Damian Corderro, hixo de Antonio Chriftoual, natural de brandes
Juan Aluarez, hixo del mifmo, natural de T?uira (saved)
Pafqual Cordero
Domingo de la Torre, hixo de ?uan, natural de Cadiz (saved)
Saluador Vicente
Domingo Fernandez (saved)
Juan de Luque (saved)
Bartolome de Medina (saved)
Aguftin de los Santos
Francifco de Sofa
Pedro Cineado (saved)
Bartolome Lopez
Sebaftian Aluarez, Hixo de Domingo, natural de Oporto de
Portugal
Grumeres:
Pedro Mexia, hixo del mifino, natural de Triana
Juan de V??arri, hixo de Marin natural de Milbao, No fe embarco,
??????? ????? enfermo in tierra
Juan de Ca??ro, hixo de Alonfo, natural de Triana (saved)
Gon?alo Rodriguez, hixo del mifno, natural del puerto de
Santmaria
Eran??fco Tinoco, hixo del mifmo, natural de Sanlucar
Loren?co Mendez, hixo de luan, natural de Ayamonte (saved)
Manuel Correa, hixo de Rodrigo, natural de Lere (saved)
Chriftoual Carrafco, hixo de Francifco Correa, natural de
Ayamonte, quedo en Cartegena enfermo
Domingo de las Nieues, hixo de Gafpar, natural de Ayamonte
Diego Martin Francifco, hixo de Gafpar Ramirez, natural de
L??e
Andres Gon?alez, hixo de Bartolome, natural de Ayomonte (saved)
Miguel Hernandez, hixo de Manuel Rodruiguez, natural de Trian?
(saved)
Nicolas de Mendo?a, hixo de Luan, natural de Carmona (saved)
Miguel Carrafco, hixo de Francifco, natural de Sevilla (saved)
Francifco Ramirez, hixo del mifmo, natural de Toledo (saved)
Pedro Fernandez
Barnage de Pineda (saved)
Diego Morejon, hixo de Francifco, natural de Toledo
Pages:
Francifco de Sierra, hixo de Luan, natural de Sanlucar
Pedro de Caftillo, hixo de Gon?alo Martin, natural de Sanlucar
Juan Narquez, hixo de Pedro, natural de Sanlucar
Francifo de Azeuedo, hixo de Antonio, natural de Sanlucar
Diego Saez, hixo del mifmo, natural de Sevilla
Lucas Fancifco, hixo de Antonio, natural de Cadiz
Anton Garcia, hixo del mifmo, natural de Sanlucar
O?ro Anton Garcia, hixo de Adrian, natural de Sanlucar (saved)
Juan Bautif?? de Di??ma, hixo del uni???, natural de Sevilla
Artilieros del dicho galeon:
Condeftable Marcos Peres, hixo de al??o, natural de Sevilla
Armero Juan Rodriguez, hixo del ????, natural de Sevilla
(saved)
Gon?alo Rodriguez, hixo deFrancifco, natural de Ayamonte
Diego Martin hixo de Francifco Diaz, natural de Mogguet
Francifco Carrafco hixo de chrift???l, natural de Cadiz
Geronimo Ferrete, hixo de Pedro, natural de Cadiz
Pedro de Ch?uarria, hixo de mifmo, natural de Cadiz
Muguel Efteuan hixo de Iscome, natural de Tauira
Andres Gomez, hixo de Diego, natural de Tauira
Alonfo Martin, hixo de Siron, natural de Xerex
Juan Miguel hixo de Miguel, natural de Sanlucar
Pedro de Velafco, hixo de Alonfo Diaz, natural de Ayamonte
Francifco Perez, hixo de Juan, natural de Ayamonte
Juan Dominguez, hixo de Chriftoual, natural de Ayamonte
Francifco Rodruguez, hixo del mifmo, natural de Ayamonte
Melchor Velasquez, hixo de Miguel, General del puerto de
Santa-Maria
Juan de Anrique, hixo de Andres, natural de Genous
Andres Lorenco, hixo de Juan, natural del puerto de Santa
Maria (saved)
Eft?uan de Requebaren, hixo de Domingo, natural de San Sebaftian
Juan de ??uregui, hixo del mifmo, natural de Bernizo.
Pedro Quintero, hixo de Rodrige, natural de Huel??
Andres Ximinez, hixo del ?????, natural de Sevilla
Lucas Loren?o, hixo de Loren? Lucas, natural de Cadiz
Alon?o de Torres, hixo de Melchor A??encio, natural de la
ifla de Tenerife
Domingo Peteira, hixo de Gon?alo, natural de Lagos
Francifco Perez, hijo del mifmo, natural de ????
Manuel Ferrera, hijo de Vafco Vicente, natural de Lagos
E?????n Rodriguez, hijo de Vafco Vicente, natural de Lagos
Vafco Ferrera, hijo del ????, natural de Lagos
Francifco Xauelo, hijo de Francifico Perez, natural de Lagos
Domingo Rodriguez, hijo de Francifco Perez, natural de Lagos
Gon?alo ??igo, hixo de Sancho, natural de Lisboa
Chriftoual Ne??oquin, hijo del mifmo, natural de Lagos
Antonio Hernandez, hijo de Pedro Gon?alez, natural de Tauira
Manuel Diaz, hijo del mifmo, natural de Lisbos
Martin Manuel, hixo de Mateo, natural de Villanueua
Jacome Garcia, hixo del Mifmo, natural de Ponteuedra
Grumeres:
Chriftoual de Miranda hijo de Pedro Martin, natural de Sanlucar
Juan Munox hixo de Ambrofio, natural de Sanlucar (Saved)
Sebaftia Rodriquez hixo del ???fmo, natural de Sanlucar
Juan de Villegas hixo de Fernando, natural de Zafra
Juan Diego, hixo de Diego Miguel, natural de Sanlucar
Sebaftian de Arnia hixo del mifmo, natural de Moguer
Herman Diaz hixo de gafpar, natural de T?uira
Nicolas Romero hijo de M?an, natural de Sanlucar
Pedro Mauiz hixo del mifmo, natural de Sanlucar
Melchor de los Reyes hixo de Marias Rodriguez, natural de
Ayamonte
Francifco Martin, hixo de Mateo, natural de Sanlucar
Juan Perez hixo de Gon?alo, natural de Salucar
Juan Lobrano hixo de Damian, natural de Sanlucar
Geronimo Franco hixo de Luis Barrexa, natural de Sanlucar
Juan Diax hixo de Miguel, natural de Sanlucar
Chriftobal de Soto hixo del mifmo, natural de Sanlucar
Dionifio de Oliuera hixo Frut????, natural de F?ro
Diego Rogriguez hixo de Francifco, natural de Sanlucar
Pedro Maria Lopez hixo de Lazaro, natural de Genoua
Juan de Salas hixo de Alono?o Diaz, natural de Ayamonte
Alonfo de Peralia hixo de Juan, natural de SanlucarDiego Perea, hixo del ?????, natural del Puerto
Antonio Pereira hixo del mifmo, natural de Sanlucar
Hernando de Aremo, hixo de Alonfo, natural de Sevilla
Alonfo de Vargas hixo de Juan, natural de Sevilla
Juan Suarez hixo del mifmo, natural de Sanlucar
Simon Rodruguez hixo de Chrifta?al, natural de Sanlucar (saved)
Juan de V?rera hixo de Domingo, natural de Ayamo???
Goncalo Perez hixo del mifmo, natural de Ayamohnte
Pedro Hernandez hixo del mifmo, natural de Sanlucar
Chriftobal Ramirez hixo de Francifco, natural de Sanlucar
Francifco del Barrio hixo de Lope, natural de Sanlucar
Martin Aluarez hixo del mifmo, natural del Puerto (saved)
Juan Bau??ifta de Pedro, natural de Sanlucar
Francifco de Banos (saved)
Don Francifco ???????, Capa??? ??????? nido con ??; ducados
de ??? ??? ?? ???, por fu Mageftad
Gentilhombre don Juan de Cab?erea (saved)
(Pa??ageros que ?ran en el dicho galeon Santa Margarita)
Don Francifco de Barrios; Gon?????dex de Caracas
Gafpar de Roxi?
Don Francifco de Ro??? fu fobrino
Don Juan de Merlo de la F???te
Serafin Fransisco de Valentia, hixo del D???or Valencia
El padre Jufepe de Arriaga de la C????? de Jefus
El padree Cisodio Colin ?? ????????
Francifco de T?????
Matias Lopez de ?????? ?????? de Lima
Benito Rodriguez
Juan Felix
Pedro de la Fuente
Don Juan C?ro de Caftro
Antonio de la Cruz, vezino de Cartagena
Martin Garcia hixo de Alonfo Ruiz, natural de Moguer
Juan Martin hixo de Loren?o, natural de Sevilla
Juan Suarez hixo del mifmo, natural de Santiago
Juan de Ecija hixo de Luis, natural de ?????
Mateo Ruyz hixo de Juan, natural del Valle de Baldiuie??o
Diego de Cala????? hixo del mifmo
Francifco Nunez hixo de Antonio, natural de Sevilla (saved)
Francifco de Sa??? hixo de Gon?alo, natural de Ayamonte
Domingo Rodruquez
Gaspar Hernandez hixo de Domingo, natural de Portiman
Aluaro Fernandez hixo de Domingo, natural de Lagos
Antonio Loren?o
Sebaftian Herandez hixo de Nicolas de Tapiana, natural de
la i??? de la Mad??a
Gregorio Rodriguez hixo de Gregorio Fernandez, natural de
Lagos
Juan Cordero hijo de Diego Martin, natural de Guelua
Antonio Hernandez hijo de Chrifto?al de Borges
Alonfo Loren?o hijo del mifmo, natural de ????uedra
Juan Francisco
Pages:
Laxaro de Medios hijode Diego, natural de Sanlucar
Tomas de Auuino hijo de Lazario, natural de Sanlucar
Francifco Rodriguez hijo de Bartol?me Dominguez, natural
de Sanlucar
Pedro de Roa hijo de Juan, natural de Sevilla
Francifco, negro atezado
Lucas Ef?euez hijo de Francifco Perez, natural de Ayamonte
Blas de Uglefias hijo de Aluaro, natural de Sanlucar
Juan de A?????? hijo del mifmo, natural de Talauera de la
Reyna
Pedro de Flores hijo de Juan Melchor, natural de Sanlucar
Manuel de Morales, hijo de Antonio, natural de Ayamonte
Pedro Garcia, hixo de Juan, natural del puerto de Santa Maria
Pedro de Cafa??? hixo del mifmo, natural de Sanlucar
Sebaftian Ruya hixo de Alonfo, natural de Cartegena
Artilleros:
Con???able Lo?? ?????
Armero Luis de la Tefla
Hernando de Va??? hixo del mifmo, natural de Vbeda
Pedro Sanchez hixo del mifmo, natural de Sevilla
Luis G????? hixo de Chriftobal D?????, natural del Puerto
de Santa Maria
Juan Prieto hixo del mifmo, natural de Sevilla
Matias Fernanadez hixo de Manuel, natural de Sevilla
FRancifco de Guzman hixo de Chriftobal, natural de Sevilla
Sebaftian de A?????? hixo de Juan Martinez, natural de Sevilla
Diego Enriquez hixo de Gafpar, natural de Cadiz
Geronimo de L??? hixo del mifmo, natural de Sanlucar
Bartolome de Cefar hixo de ?????, natural de Sanlucar
Juan Rodriguez hixo de Diego Ru?z de A?????, natural de Cadiz
Mateo Gomez hixo de Domingo de Fonfeta natural de Sanlucar
Geronimo de la Toree hixo del mifmo, natural de Sanlucar
Juan Martin hixo de Chriftobal Rodruguez, natural de Sevilla
Pafageros del dicho galeon Almiranea
El padre Maeftro ??ay Pedro de la Mad??? de la Orden de
fan Aguilin, Vi???? del Piru
Fray Francifco de Ca?ion la Co??????
Fray Antonio de fan Ag???????
Fray Chriftoual de R????, ????
Don Juan de Sayauedra
Don Martin B???fo
Don GonZalo Tamayo
El Licenciado don Antonio de S???
El Licenciado Lorenco A??? M?????
D.Diego de Guzman Corregidor del Cuzco
L'on Diego de ??????
L'on Pablo de Si???
Juan Delgado de Leon el ????
Tall
Ships and Museums
Click
on a Tall Ship image to a view picture gallery of real
life photos of the actual vessels.
 The
Amistad
(Click image to
view picture gallery)
The
Amistad is a reproduction of the original cargo schooner,
La Amistad, which was famous for the
1839 rebellion of 53 kidnapped Africans intended to be
sold as slaves, who later won their freedom in the U.S.
Supreme Court.
Freedom Schooner Amistad, Connecticut's Flagship and Tall
Ship Ambassador, has taken her story to locales along the
United States' Eastern Seaboard, Gulf Coast and Great Lakes,
visting cities from Miami, to Portland, Maine to Chicago.
Since her launch in 2000, Amistad has made a direct and
lasting impact in the communites she has visited and indirectly
touched the lives of millions through educational programs,
newspaper articles, the Internet and radio and television
interviews with the captain or crew.
(Click here to visit the Amistad America web site)
 The
Atocha and Santa Margarita
(Click image
to view picture gallery)
The picture gallery is a visit to the Mel Fisher
Maritime Museum, Key West, Florida. The
Nuestra Señora
de Atocha and the La
Santa Margarita were
Spanish Galleons
of 1622 fleet.
On September 4, 1622 the Tierra Firme
flota of twenty-eight ships left Havana bound for Spain.
With it was carried the
wealth of an empire; Silver from Peru and Mexico, gold and
emeralds from Colombia, pearls from Venezuela. Each ship
carried its crew, soldiers, passengers, and all the necessary
materials and provisions for a successful voyage. The following
day, the fleet found itself being overtaken by a hurricane
as it entered the Florida straits. By the morning of September
6th, eight of these vessels lay broken on the ocean floor,
scattered from the Marquesas Keys to the Dry Tortugas. In
them were the treasures of the Americas, and the untold stories
of scores of Spanish sailors, soldiers, noblemen, and clergy.
(Click
here to visit the Mel Fisher Heritage Society web site)
 The
H.M.S. Bounty
(Click image to view
picture gallery)
a reproduction
used in the 1960's movie Mutiny on the
Bounty. One of the last full-rigged ships
still sailing, the H.M.S. Bounty echoes back to an age when
majestic tall ships manned by hardy souls explored the world's
oceans.
The Bounty was built in 1960 for MGM studios' Mutiny on the
Bounty with Marlon Brando. Since then, the new Bounty has starred
in several feature-length films and dozens of TV shows and
historical documentaries. The studios commissioned the ship from the shipwrights of
Smith and Ruhland in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia to commission
a new Bounty to be built from scratch. Completely seaworthy
and built just the way it would have been 200 years before,
the new Bounty was constructed from the original ship's drawings
still on file in the British admiralty archives. After filming and a worldwide promotional tour, MGM berthed
the ship in St. Petersburg as a permanent tourist attraction
- where she stayed until the mid-1980s. In 1986 Ted Turner
acquired the MGM film library and the Bounty with it. He
used it to promote his enterprises, and filmed Treasure Island
with Charleton Heston in 1989. In 1993, Turner donated the ship to the Fall River Chamber
Foundation, which established the Tall Ship Bounty Foundation
to operate the ship as an educational venture. In February of 2001 the H.M.S. Bounty was purchased from
the Foundation by the Tall Ship Bounty Organization LLC.
The Bounty is being prepared to be sailed to Booth Bay Maine
where it will be dry docked for a period of three months
to have repairs done to the hull portion of the ship. We
will keep you updated on her progress through photos on a
monthly basis. Please keep checking the web site for these
updates. The Tall Ship Bounty Organization LLC is dedicated to keeping
the ship sailing and using her as a vehicle for teaching
the nearly lost arts of square rigged sailing and seamanship.
(click here to visit the H.M.S. Bounty web site)
 The
Nina
(Click image to view
picture gallery)
An historically
correct recreation of Columbus's Ship. Built by the Columbus
Foundation in 1986 in the British Virgin Islands, NINA
is considered by many to be the most authentic replica
ship sailing today.
We (Phil and Kimiko Hester) caught the Nina docked at Clearwater
Marina. It was interesting to see how primative this ship
is compared
to
what would
be seen in the later ships. Also interesting was the size.
The ship's overall length is only 93.6 feet, with the length
on deck being 66 feet.
Honestly, when you were standing on the deck, it did not
seem much larger than our float! The Nina was very small
in comparison to the Santa Margarita. I noticed that the
anchor was only about 3-4 feet long. If you go to the pictures
from the Mel Fisher Museum and look at the anchor of the
Santa Margarita and Atocha, they are both approximated 12
feet long! Sailing technology came a long way in the hundred
years from Columbus' voyage to the Galleons of the 17th century.
Another thing that stands out about the Nina is the color.
Everything except the sails, the deck and the ropes were
about one shade lighter than charcoal! It didn't make taking
pictures very easy.
The
original NINA logged at least 25,000 miles under Columbus'
command and now her replica
will visit Portsmouth Harbor
as part of the Maritime Commission's program of historical
education. This replica represents the NINA as she would
have appeared during the eight recorded busy years of her
life following her departure from the Canary Islands in
September 1492. Like the original, the replica NINA is
93 feet in length
with a deck length of 66 feet and 1,919 square feet of
sail area.. The replica NINA has taken part in the filming
of "1492" in
1991. Since then, the ship has visited over 250 ports in
the U.S. She is the only "sailing museum" which
is continually "discovering" new ports, while giving
the public an opportunity to visit one of the "greatest
little ships in the world's history".
(Click here to visit the Nina web site)  Tall
Ship Movie Props
(Click
image to view picture gallery)
Movie making ship models at
Planet Hollywood, Downtown Disney West
Side,
Walt Disney World Resort,
1506 E. Buena Vista Drive,
Located adjacent to Disney's Pleasure Island.
 The
S/V Denis Sullivan
(Click image to view picture gallery)
A modern day
vessel reminiscent of a 19th century
Great Lakes cargo schooner.
The S/V Denis Sullivan, a 137-foot re-creation of a three-masted,
19th century Great Lakes schooner, is owned and operated
by Pier Wisconsin as an educational platform and scientific
research vessel.
She began in 1991 as a dream — the quiet project of
a small group of Milwaukeeans who hoped to build a tall ship
for Great Lakes education. By the time she was launched in
autumn 2000, the Denis Sullivan was a labor of love for hundreds
of people from all walks of life. Nearly 1 million volunteer
hours went into her construction, an unprecedented display
of grass-roots spirit and community dedication. As the first
tall ship built in Wisconsin in more than 100 years, the
Denis Sullivan sails as "Wisconsin's Flagship," a
living tribute to our state's rich, and almost forgotten,
maritime heritage.
Today, the Denis Sullivan is Pier Wisconsin's ambassador
for freshwater exploration. Used for both science education
and nautical training, she sails each year to ports-of-call
throughout the Great Lakes, the Atlantic Ocean and the tropical
waters of the Caribbean Sea.
(Click
here to visit the S/V Dennis Sullivan web site)
Krewe
Crest
Krewe of Santa Margarita
Achievement of Arms
A Brief History of Heraldry
The word Heraldry is derived from
the German "heer" --
a host, an army -- and "held" -- a champion. The
term blason, by which the science of heraldry is denoted
in French, English, Italian, and German, is probably derived
from the German word blazen -- to blow the horn. Whenever
a new Knight appeared at a Tournament, the herald sounded
the trumpet, and as the competitors attended with closed
visors, it was his duty to explain the bearing of the shield
or coat-armour belonging to each. This knowledge of the various
devices and symbols was called Heraldry, and as the announcement
was accompanied with the sound of a trumpet, it was termed
blazoning the arms. Source: Burke, Bernard, The General Armory
of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales (Heritage Books,
Inc., 1996).
The oldest documented example of a coat of arms borne on
a shield is where King Henry I of England is said to have
bestowed on his son-in-law, Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of
Anjou, in 1127 A.D.: the azure shield bore four gold lions
rampant. [Source: The Oxford Guide to Heraldry by Thomas
Woodcock and John Martin Robinson.]
Regardless of their origins, coats
of arms became military status symbols, and their popularity
increased along with
the popularity of the tournament, which was developed in
the mid-eleventh century in France.By 1400 A.D., bearing
a coat of arms had become a prerequisite to participation
in a tournament, and due to the importance of social standing
in such pageants, a coat of arms also became a mark of noble
status. In the early days, most coats of arms were assumed
by the bearers and not "granted" by any authority.
The earliest coats of arms were fairly simple -- bars or
wavy lines, a lion rampant or an eagle displayed, or an arrangement
of fleurs-de-lis. The designs became more complex as the
years passed, and the practice of quartering (incorporating
the arms of other families acquired through marriages) developed.
What is a Coat of Arms?
A complete coat of arms (correctly referred to as an Achievement
of Arms) includes the following elements:
The shield, on which are displayed the symbols (charges).
The helm or helmet, varying in style and positioning according
to the rank of the bearer. In civic heraldry, it is usually
in the form of an esquire. The mantling, originally a cloak
attached to the helmet as a protection against heat, cold
and rain, now adpated into a formal floral design flowing
out from both sides of the helmet. The torse or wreath, consisting
of six bands of silk alternately of the colors in the shield,
affixed to the helm to hold the crest in place. The crest,
used in ancient times for easy identification in battle,
today as a traditional symbolic adjunct. The motto, originally,
a war cry or slogan. In civic heraldry, it alludes to the
aims, virtues, or history of the municipality. The motto
is inscribed on a scroll beneath the shield. Supporters,
animal or human figures, appear on each side of the shield
as if holding it upright, lending additional symbolic strength
to the achievement. The compartment of ground on which the
supporters stand. It ususally alludes to the area's geography.
A Brief Explanation of the Blazon of Arms
As depicted below, a "coat of arms" consists of
several parts: the shield, the mantling, the helm, the wreath,
charges, and the crest (note that not all arms have crests).
The official, written description of the coat of arms is
called the "blazon of arms." The blazon may seem
like a foreign language, but it is simply a system of code
words to denote colors, placement, and styling by using an
economy of words.
Much of the printed design for a given coat of arms is more
the artist's preference or the style of a particular herald,
and not a part of any particular blazon. The mantling and
the banners for names and mottoes, for example, are not an
official element of the blazon of arms. The helm, likewise,
is not a part of the official blazon. Some historians attach
a significance to the design of the helm or helmet as representative
of a certain century or social status, but there are differences
of opinion on this matter.
Elements of a Coat of Arms
Shield: The colors and charges (lions, designs, etc. that
appear on the shield) are a part of the official blazon,
but the shape of the shield is not. Shield shapes vary according
to the geographical origin as well as the time period.
Wreath: Not a part of the official blazon, the wreath usually
consists of the primary color and metal.
Mantle/Mantling: Not a part of the official blazon (except
that sometimes the colors are specified), the design varies
with the herald's or artist's preference. This is said to
represent the cloth that hung from the wreath and protected
the back of the head and neck, even though it may often be
depicted more like the leaves of a plant.
The arms of the said Ye Mystic Krewe of Santa Margarita
are Blazoned as follows:
Quarterly, first, Barry wavy azure and argent. An escallop
gules; Second, gules, a dolphin haurient azure and argent;
third, gules, on a fess or a tower gules; fourth, argent,
a parrot vert perched on a branch proper, in its beak an
annulet or.
The Crest is between two palm branches vert, a roundle per
pale, first, argent, a lion rampant contourne gules; second,
gules, a tower or; all surmounted by a royal coronet.
The supporters are two seahorses or,
maned gules, each holding a banner or, bordered gules,
on a chief of
the first a roundle
as in the crest. The motto for the aforesaid coat of arms
and crest is as follows: Bis Vivit Qui Bene Vivit, which
is interpreted to mean "he lives twice who lives well".
The historical interpretation of the
meaning of the colours and symbols are as follows: ARGENT
(silver
or white); peace
and prosperity. OR (Gold); Generosity and elevation of the
mind. GULES (Red); Warrior or martyr; military strength and
magnanimity. AZURE (Blue): truth and loyalty. VERT (Green):
Hope, joy, and loyalty in love. PROPER: Natural colors. BARRY:
One who sets the bar of conscience, religion, and honour
against angry passions and evil temptations" according
to Guillim. WAVY: Sea or water. ESCALLOP: Travellor to far
places or victorious naval commander. DOLPHIN: Swiftness,
diligence, salvation, charity and love. FESS: Military belt
or circle of honour; Represents rediness to seve the public.
TOWER: Safety and grandeur. PARROT: Unknown, but the modern
interpretation is "party down, dude!". ANNULET:
Fideltity. PALM BRANCHES: Victory, justice, and royal honour.
LION:Dauntless courage. ROYAL CORONET: Royal or seignorial
authority.
Origin
of the Krewe
Ye
Mystic Krewe of the Santa Margarita was founded in February,
2002. It’s four founders are Jeff DiPolito, Bill
Fisher, Rick Amorose and Phil Hester. It is the original
brainchild of Jeff  DiPolito. Jeff long thought that the
City of Clearwater needed to be represented in the Tampa
area’s Krewe community.
During the time that
Jeff’s
children attended Plumb Elementary School in Clearwater,
he was the PTA President and had a
pirate costume made by a local seamstress, Lauren Whitman.
Jeff became the Plumb Pirate and would portray this character
during the PTA’s fundraising carnival.
After three years of being the Plumb Pirate, Bill Fisher
approached Jeff and asked about his costume. Jeff explained
that he had it made by Lauren Whitman and often thought about
starting a Gasparilla Krewe in Clearwater. Bill responded
by encouraging Jeff to do so and to include him if he acted
upon this thought.
Jeff then spent the next three
months researching how to structure a Krewe, chose a
name and
wrote the original bylaws.
He then notified Bill and recruited two others to be founders
too. Rick Amorose and Philip Hester. Their first meeting
was in Jeff’s living room where Jeff divulged his entire
vision and Bill, Rick and Phil all agreed that this Krewe
needed to be formed.
Five months later, Ye Mystic Krewe of the Santa Margarita
was introduced to the City of Clearwater aboard the Captain
Memo  Pirate ship. Approximately, 110 people were in attendance
including the Mayor of Clearwater, several city dignitaries.
The present King of Ye Mystic Krewe of Neptune was also in
attendance.
Since then, Ye Mystic Krewe
of the Santa Margarita has grown to be the largest Krewe
in Pinellas
County and Clearwater’s
Official Krewe.
Krewe
Milestones
- September 6, 1622 - La Santa Margarita sank off the coast of Key West with seven other ships who were caught in a hurricane.
- February,
2002 - Ye Mystic Krewe of the Santa Margarita was founded.
- October 25, 2002 - Birth of the Santa Margarita float.
- May 3, 2003 - By proclamation, YMKSM became the City of Clearwater's Official Krewe.
Photo Essay of Construction of the Santa Margarita Float
If you have Krewe milestone
dates and info, please forward to webmaster krewe.
Click
here to send an e-mail to the webmaster.
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