Patache

A patache was a small, lightly armed sailing vessel, primarily used from the 16th to the 18th centuries. They served various purposes including coastal patrol, messenger duty, scouting, and as tenders to larger warships. Pataches were typically faster and more maneuverable than larger ships-of-the-line, making them suitable for tasks requiring speed and agility. They were commonly used by the Spanish, Portuguese, and other European navies. Pataches generally carried a small crew and limited armament. Their size and shallow draft allowed them to navigate in shallower waters and enter small harbors, making them valuable for coastal operations. The term "patache" sometimes overlapped with other small sailing vessels like brigantines and pinnaces, leading to some ambiguity in historical accounts.