The first organized tactical formations of sailing ships began being formed in the late 15th century.
The position of Capitano delle Navi was established as the commander of the larger sailing ships built by the Venetian government, but he also assumed control—under the overall authority of the Captain General of the Sea—over all sailing ships in the battle fleet, which were mostly merchant vessels, chartered in Venice or abroad (usually from the Dutch Republic) for naval service.
[5] During the latter two wars, when the Venetians sent as many as 36 ships of the line into battle, the senior position of Capitano Straordinario delle Navi was created, who now commanded the first division of 9 ships, while the Capitano delle Navi commanded the second and so on.
[6] The post of Capitano delle Navi remained the highest peacetime rank for the commanders of the Venetian sailing fleet (armata grossa).
[8] As distinctive signs, the flagship (the capitana) of the Capitano delle Navi carried a single lantern aft, the standard of Saint Mark on the starboard side aft, and on the mainmast a square ensign of Saint Mark.