Famous Pirate Ships
From Blackbeard's massive warship to "Black Sam" Bellamy's doomed treasure galley, explore the real vessels that ruled the golden age of piracy.
Queen Anne's Revenge
Captain: Blackbeard (Edward Teach)
Originally a French slave ship named La Concorde, Blackbeard captured her in 1717, heavily armed her with 40 guns, and used her to blockade Charleston, South Carolina. She ran aground in 1718 under mysterious circumstances.
The Whydah Gally
Captain: "Black Sam" Bellamy
A heavily armed passenger and cargo ship captured by Bellamy in 1717. She sank in a violent nor'easter off the coast of Cape Cod just months later, taking Bellamy, his crew, and an estimated four and a half tons of gold and silver to the bottom.
Royal Fortune
Captain: Bartholomew Roberts (Black Bart)
Roberts actually named multiple flagship vessels "Royal Fortune" during his highly successful career. His final Royal Fortune was a massive warship carrying 42 cannons, aboard which he was killed in battle against the Royal Navy in 1722.
The Fancy
Captain: Henry Every
Originally a 46-gun privateer vessel named Charles II, Every led a mutiny and renamed her The Fancy. He used her speed to pull off the most lucrative pirate raid in history against a heavily armed Indian treasure fleet.
The Revenge
Captain: Stede Bonnet
Unlike most pirates who stole their ships, Bonnet (the "Gentleman Pirate") legally purchased and outfitted The Revenge. She was later commanded for a time by Blackbeard before Bonnet regained control.
Adventure Galley
Captain: William Kidd
A massive 34-gun, 287-ton vessel equipped with both sails and oars, allowing Kidd to maneuver in dead calms. Kidd's controversial career ended in a hanging for piracy, though he claimed to be a legitimate privateer.