Whydah Gally
Table of Contents
Commonly known as the Whydah, the Whydah Gally shipwreck was found in 1984 by Barry Clifford, who relied on Southack’s early 1717 map to pinpoint its location. The Whydah Gally was a fully rigged galley ship that was captured by “Black Sam” Bellamy, and played a major role as his main flagship during the Golden Age of Piracy. It was originally built as a passenger ship that was soon refitted to carry slaves from the African continent. The ship was commanded by former buccaneer Captain Lawrence Prince before it was attacked by the pirate “Black Sam” Bellamy and began its short-lived but significant career as a pirate vessel.
The Whydah Gally is something of a legend among enthusiasts and experts studying the Golden Age of piracy. Initially commissioned in 1715 by Sir Humphrey Morice – one of the most significant British slave traders of the day – the ship measured 110 feet in length and was capable of speeds of up to 13 knots, or 24 km/h. The ship was named after the West African kingdom of Ouidah (pronounced Whydah) due to its affiliation with the African slave trade. It could normally carry more than 500 captives along with jewelry, ivory and other goods that were transported to trade them in the Caribbean.
The Whydah was taken over by Sam Bellamy in February 1717, only two months before it sank because of a violent storm. There is a good reason why the Whydah Gally shipwreck still had canons that were in excellent condition at the time it was rediscovered. Bellamy initially transferred 150 members of his crew to man the flagship, then traveled to North Carolina and looted several other ships, while fitting the Whydah with 30 additional cannons. According to legend, Bellamy was headed for Cape Cove to visit his beloved Maria Hallett when his route took the Whydah straight into a dense fog that signaled bad weather ahead.
The Whydah Gally sank in April 1717 because of a violent storm that hit the ship during the night. Hit by winds exceeding 70 mph, it reached an area only 30 feet deep where the ship capsized, and the more than 60 cannons on board ripped the deck apart. The “Prince of Pirates,” Bellamy, went down with his ship along with 102 other crewmen. Explorer Barry Clifford followed a real life pirate treasure map to locate the Whydah. His discovery revealed the ship was only covered by 4-5 meters of water. Aside from pirates’ weapons, gear, clothing, cannons and a number of unique artifacts found aboard the Whydah Gally shipwreck, there was also the ship’s bell, which identified the vessel with the inscribed words “THE WHIDAH GALLY 1716.”
The Whydah Gally: A Pirate’s Vessel
The Whydah Gally, named after the West African kingdom of Ouidah, began as a slave ship, but fate had other plans. Captured by the infamous pirate Samuel Bellamy, it became a symbol of his rebellion against the establishment. Picture this: a formidable ship with black sails, speeding across the waves like a shadow—a shadow that spelled doom for any that crossed its path.
From Trade to Piracy: The Ship’s Past
Built as a cargo ship in 1715, the Whydah was designed to transport human lives as a part of the transatlantic slave trade. However, it was Bellamy’s commandeering that turned it into a vessel that would later carry treasures beyond imagination. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to flip your role in society overnight? The Whydah did just that—from a transporter of captives to a liberator of wealth.
The Ill-Fated Voyage
In February 1717, laden with loot from over 50 captured ships, the Whydah set sail for what would be its last voyage. Bellamy was heading north, towards Cape Cod, with hopes and dreams as vast as the ocean itself. But sometimes, dreams are just that—dreams.
The Storm That Became a Legend
A violent nor’easter struck, sealing the fate of the Whydah Gally. In a night of fury and turmoil, the ship was tossed and turned, until it finally succumbed to the sea’s embrace. It wasn’t just a ship that was lost that night, but also the wild, untamed spirit of an era.
The Treasure Trove
They say the Whydah carried gold, silver, and precious gems worth hundreds of millions today. It’s like the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, except this rainbow sank to the depths of the ocean.
The Shipwreck Discovery
In 1984, Barry Clifford found the Whydah’s watery grave. It was the discovery of a lifetime, like finding a needle in a haystack the size of the ocean.
Artifacts and Pieces of the Past
The Whydah Gally has given us more than gold; it has given us history. Coins from different corners of the world, cannons, and even the ship’s bell have been recovered, each with a story to tell.
Whydah Gally in Popular Culture
The Whydah has sailed into popular culture, capturing imaginations in books, movies, and even video games. It’s a legacy that continues to grow with every story told.
The Whydah Gally Museum
In Provincetown, Massachusetts, you can step into the past at the Whydah Pirate Museum. It’s like a door that leads straight to the 18th century, with treasures and artifacts on full display.
Preserving Pirate History
Preserving the Whydah’s artifacts is like holding onto pieces of the past, ensuring that the stories and legends never fade away.
The Curse of the Sunken Treasure?
Some believe that the treasures of the Whydah come with a curse. Whether it’s true or not, it adds an undeniable mystique to the legend.
The Whydah’s Influence on Piracy Lore
The story of the Whydah Gally has become a cornerstone of piracy lore, shaping our perception of pirates and their way of life.
Educational Impact of the Whydah
The Whydah’s discovery has provided educators with a tangible link to the past, a way to bring history to life for students everywhere.
The Future of the Whydah Gally
The Whydah continues to be a subject of research and exploration. Who knows what secrets still lie buried with it?
Reflections on the Whydah Gally
As we reflect on the story of the Whydah Gally, it’s more than just a shipwreck; it’s a chapter of history that continues to unfold.
Conclusion
The Whydah Gally is a bridge between past and present, a vessel filled with stories, treasures, and mysteries. It’s a reminder that history is not just about dates and facts; it’s about the human experience, the dreams, and the adventures. It’s about the indomitable spirit of those who dare to sail against the wind.
FAQs
Q: What was the Whydah Gally? A: The Whydah Gally was a ship that started as a slave vessel but became one of the most famous pirate ships of the Golden Age of Piracy.
Q: Who was Samuel Bellamy? A: Samuel Bellamy, also known as “Black Sam,” was the notorious pirate captain of the Whydah Gally.
Q: What treasures did the Whydah Gally carry? A: The Whydah was said to carry treasures from over 50 captured ships, including gold, silver, and gems.
Q: How was the Whydah Gally discovered? A: The Whydah Gally was discovered by underwater explorer Barry Clifford in 1984 off the coast of Cape Cod.
Q: Can I see artifacts from the Whydah Gally? A: Yes, artifacts from the Whydah Gally are on display at the Whydah Pirate Museum in Provincetown, Massachusetts.