San Martín was built in Portugal in 1580 and entered Philip II's forces when he acquired the Portuguese kingdom. The three-masted galleon is described with 48 heavy guns on two enclosed decks and dimensions of roughly 180 feet by 40 feet. During the campaign, she reportedly fought off twelve English galleons and race-built galleons. On this evidence, the Armada flagship was a durable oceanic combatant suited to her intended role, rather than an obsolete counterpart to Ark Royal.
Notable Point · 9:59-11:52
San Martín and the oceanic galleon
The Portuguese-built San Martín brought two enclosed gun decks, heavy weapons, and ocean-going endurance to the Armada's combat core.