Captain General of the Sea

The post of Captain General of the Sea was filled only during wartime, by election by the Great Council of Venice, usually from one of the members of the Venetian patriciate with long experience in naval affairs, although occasionally younger or less militarily experienced men were selected.

[1] During the later 17th century, the considerable expenses that the office entailed made the wealth of the candidates an important factor in their selection.

[2][3] When deciding on issues of strategy and tactics, however, he was constrained to obey the decisions of the war council, taken by majority vote.

[4] On campaign, the Captain General hoisted his ensign on a bastard galley, which served as the fleet flagship (the galera generalizia or Capitana).

[5] The crew of the flagship enjoyed special privileges, and was exempted from the usual deductions of pay for the coverings of the rowing benches.