Hein combined the roles of admiral and privateer and eventually became the effective head of the Dutch navy. His early career included repeated Spanish captivity and four years as a galley slave. As the son of a captain, he appears to have gone to sea as soon as his father could take him. He initially suffered severe seasickness, which he gradually brought under control during long voyages.
Chapter · 2:52-4:16
Piet Hein from captive sailor to admiral
Piet Hein rose from repeated Spanish captivity to effective command of the Dutch navy after beginning his career in his father's ships.