At the end of the 16th century, Federico advised Philip III of Spain to use the galley, a type of ship that was still dominant in the Mediterranean Sea, also to be deployed in Flanders and in Zeeland.

Six large galleys were built and Spinola engaged successfully as a privateer against Dutch and English merchant ships, despite suffering a defeat at Ostend against a squadron from the County of Holland.

[2] Spinola returned to Lisbon, but attempted to reach Flanders again with the remaining six galleys after embarking additional oarsmen, soldiers and money.

Vice Admiral Jacob van Duyvenvoorde was sent to blockade it with nine ships, but upon arrival he discovered that Spinola had already escaped to the north.

[2] On May 26, Spinola left, taking advantage of a lull that prevented the Zeeland fleet at Vlissingen from coming to De Moor's aid.

The usual tactic was to slide the long bow over the enemy ship's rail and then board it, supported by the two cannons positioned in the galley's front superstructure, which represented its main firepower.

The Spanish thus tried to enter the Black Galley, but were repelled by several well-aimed cannon shots, after which the fight continued with sword, pistol and knife.

[2] After about an hour, Admiral Willem de Zoete, lord of Haultain, managed to leave the port of Vlissingen with the Zealand fleet.

The crews received eleven tons of beer and Joos de Moor, Pieterssen and Van Gorcum a gold chain of honor.