In the long ancient period, Chinese-style sailing ships were not considered a reliable weapon for naval warfare. Due to excessive reliance on wind propulsion and the lack of a mature human paddling mechanism, it is easy to be divided and surrounded by enemy forces in rapidly changing engagements. On the contrary, it relies on a relatively large internal volume and occupies a higher proportion in the field of trade freight. But it was ultimately confined to the waters of the Far East and Southeast Asia, and was rarely favored by sailors west of the Strait of Malacca.
However, this pattern changed in the 16th and 17th centuries. Thanks to the continuous excavations of Portuguese explorers, traditional Chinese sailing ships have been revitalized. Even in some cases, defeating those Western-style sailing boats that are in full bloom to achieve a breeze in cornering overtaking.
Armed by the Dutch East India Company in the early 17th century
On July 31, 1601, three armed Dutch merchant ships, led by the adventurer Van Nek, were sailing in the waters of the Far East, which had rarely been set foot in the past. Since most of the known trading strongholds were occupied by the Portuguese, these newcomers were forced to spend more time researching, hoping to find weak links to break through. For example, Sumatra, Java and Kalimantan, which belong to the periphery of the traditional route, have left their traces of groping. Now, the group is preparing to head to Pattani Port on the west side of the Gulf of Thailand, where they will try to establish a trading post for the East India Company. During this period, a small two-masted schooner joined the team, which could help the heavier Galen galleons explore the nearshore water conditions.
But in late September, a sudden typhoon in the South China Sea disoriented the Dutch fleet. Although the tossing and turning did not cause any loss of personnel, it blew them directly to Macau on the west side of the Pearl River Delta. It was not only the only trade port for Westerners on the coast of the Ming Dynasty, but also the fortress of rivals who were most hostile to competitors. Although the permanent population at that time was very limited and the restrictions of the Guangzhou authorities prevented the construction of defensive facilities, they often severely punished outsiders who arrived by chance. In addition, Portugal was still subordinate to the Spanish Empire at that time, and the Netherlands was a rebellious province that fought for independence by force, so the relationship between them was almost a state of war. For example, the first explorers who came to shore a few years ago were executed by city administrators for treason.
Early Macau was almost completely undefended
Because of this, the uninvited arrival of 3 enemy ships frightened the residents trapped in the isolated city of Macau. Due to the lack of a mature standing management system, the defense of the entire city is basically shouldered by the residents themselves. The most reliable firepower platform is the armed merchant ship that arrives at the dock on a regular basis. The simplest fortifications were only temporary trenches to be dug as needed. If a large number of people and horses forcibly land, then the first battle is very likely to become the final battle. As for the Ming dynasty officials and troops who could nominally provide protection, it was impossible to spend effort on a corner of the land. Luckily, Macau wasn't Van Naik's original destination, so the Dutch didn't figure out where they were. Only with very limited information can we confirm that we have deviated greatly from the course.
At the same time, there happened to be 2 Galen sailboats in macau that had just arrived from India. She was also hit by a recent storm that damaged vital parts such as sails and locks. Captain Paul, though well aware that he was unlikely to set out to meet the enemy, took on defensive duties as usual and ordered the distribution of weapons after being automatically promoted to commander. In addition, he ordered the collection of 3-4 local Chinese-style sailing ships and immediately converted them into inshore warships. Moreover, the original Chinese sailors and Malay oarsmen were retained, and only European soldiers were used as the main force in combat. Since the Portuguese had been active in the Far East for nearly a hundred years, they knew more about the characteristics of these ships. They are well aware that in a given environment, a Chinese-style sailing boat with 6 oars will also have the strength to fight a war.
Three armed Dutch merchant ships that strayed into Macau waters
On September 28, Van-Nek sent 11 of his men ashore in small boats to find out what city was in front of him. As a result, before these people could figure out the specific situation, they were already captured by the citizens of Macau who were waiting in a tight line. So the Dutch waited another day at the makeshift anchorage and once again sent a brig carrying more than 20 people into the harbor to investigate. In fact, this small ship, which is gradually becoming popular in Europe, does not rely on wind propulsion itself. Sailor paddle maneuvering alone can also make a temporary cameo appearance inshore paddle boat. Moreover, using the artillery in the bow position, it is easy to force muslim ships of the same level to retreat.
However, when the Dutch put away their sails and paddled close to the shore, they were immediately stopped by Chinese-style sailing boats rushing out of the vicinity. The latter, though only 6 paddles, is good enough in the shallow waters adjacent to the peninsula. In addition, it has a strong cargo attribute, so it can carry several times the number of soldiers on the other side and install more small artillery. In this way, the original temptation was completely transformed into a narrow road. Several Chinese-style sailing ships quickly surrounded the European-style schooners from both sides, tilting their fire to each other's heads. Without waiting for the Dutch above to resist excessively, they launched a springboard battle without stopping. Finally, the boat was tied with a grappling hook and dragged back to the harbor with the panicked captives.
The Cantonese sailing ships on the Ming Dynasty military books are equipped with a total of 6 oars
At this time, 3 Galen sailboats in the deep water area were witnessing everything. However, after all the boats were lost, they could not accurately explore the suitable anchorage near Macao and did not dare to risk running aground to block it. Van-Nek could only order the entire group to turn around and evacuate, mooring in the Ming-controlled area about 60 miles away. Although the relevant records do not mention the specific location, considering the shipping structure of Guangdong at that time, it should be Dongguan, which is known as the "Port of Siam". Therefore, Paul, who remained in Macau, could only continue to load more weapons on Chinese sailing ships, preparing to completely eliminate his opponents who went deep into the Pearl River against the current. Fortunately, the Dutch action caused a fierce reaction from the Ming Dynasty, so before the Macau fleet set off, Van-Naik had timely led his troops out of the Chinese coast. As for the two groups of captured Dutch seafarers, they were immediately tried. Fifteen of them were still beheaded for treason, while the rest were sent to the Viceroyalty of India for hard labour.
Interestingly, this skirmish, which is recorded in the past, did not lead the Dutch side to improve its evaluation of Chinese-style sailing ships. After all, the shipbuilding technology in Guangdong is superior in many ways to other coastal areas. The East India Company, however, later adjusted its scope of activity to Fujian, so that it would no longer have to encounter strong canton ships. Except for the small two-masted schooner, the rest of the ships no longer fear a sudden blow at sea...