2. The Fleet

A Portuguese Carrack surrounded by the ships of James Lancaster and Dutch Ships in the Malacca Straits.

James Lancaster's fleet from 1601 was made up of four ships:

The Ascension

formerly in the Levant trade (between England and Turkey)

Rating: 260 tons
Guns: 24
Crew: 75

The Hector

formerly a Levant trader

Rating: 800 tons
Guns: 24
Crew: 110

The Susan

formerly a Levant trader, bought from Alderman Paul Banning for £1,600

Rating: 240 tons
Guns: 24
Crew: 88

The Red Dragon (flagship)

Built in 1595 as a privateer (trading on behalf of a rich individual) or merchantman for George Clifford, third Earl of Cumberland. Bought for £3,700. Former name: Scourge of Malice

Rating: 600 - 900 tons
Guns: 38
Crew: approximately 200