A galleon is a fighting vessel of Portuguese origin. The first mention of a ship refers to 1535. Later on galleons became a foundation of English and Spain fleets. The galleon was rigged as a large sailing ship of that time. She had a comparatively sharp hull the length of which along the keel was equal three times of the width. Just at this type of ships guns were placed on the main deck as well as under the deck this fact led to appearance of battery decks; guns were placed near the ship's boards and they shoot through ports. As a result rooms for shipment of cargo were greatly lessened. Absence of high superstructures and a long hull allowed the galleon to move faster and closer to the wind as compared to 'round' ships.