Carrack

A tall three-masted ocean-going ship developed from the cog, large enough to be stable in heavy seas, for a large cargo and for the provisions needed for very long voyages. Carracks are square-rigged on the foremast and mainmast, while being lateen-rigged on the mizzenmast.

They have a high rounded stern with large stern castle, with a slightly shorter forecastle. The stern castle is often stepped, with a lower fore and a higher aft. The height of the ship is part of its superiority, as it is difficult to board once grappled.

The Indian Carrack describes ships used by the English, French, Dutch and Portuguese to round the Horn of Africa to trade with the Far East.

Common Carrack

Yare: C
Dimensions: length (115 ft.); beam (27 ft.); keel to stern castle (49 ft.)
Strength: hull (45 pts.); rigging (12 pts.)
Hardpoints: forward (4); stern (6); amidships (2)
Draft: 9 ft.
Staterooms: captain (1); quarters (3); berths (3); decks (4½)
Cargo: 360 tons
Crew: 21
Construction Time: 13 months

Indian Carrack

Yare: C
Dimensions: length (196 ft.); beam (46 ft.); keel to stern castle (83 ft.)
Strength: hull (77 pts.); rigging (20 pts.)
Hardpoints: forward (6); stern (10); amidships (4)
Draft: 16 ft.
Staterooms: captain (1); quarters (8); berths (21); decks (7½)
Cargo: 1,763 tons
Crew: 63
Construction Time: 3½ years

See Also,
Hardpoints
Naval Combat
Ship Types
Wind Effects on Movement