Galleys - can there be rowing and sailing together?

Aristarkos

New Member
Hello, I am researching something:

In the case of galleys (greek triremes etc) was it worth it with regard to speed if there was both rowing and sailing at once??

Did this take place?

Also can it also be applied for norse longships?

thank you
 
The design of sail boats was very primitive, back then, other than down wind, they were pretty slow and cranky. Oars not only gave them more speed , but also better turning, etc.
 
If it is sailing okay then why exhaust the crew by making them row. If you were going into battle then this could happen for a short spell. If the ship was sailing well then the oars could even slow it down as they go into the water.
 
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