Vast Fleet

In 1405, ( the 3rd year of Yongle), Cheng Ho led huge fleet for the first long voyage. As recorded in one historical document, Cheng Ho fleet was composed by over 240 vessels, with 62 big ships, over 200 middle & small ships & over 27000 sailors & guarding soldiers.

Sort & Organization

The fleet was the task force with 6 sorts at the best time over 200 vessels, was the world’s biggest & excellent fleet in the 15th century.

1、 Treasure ship: It was the core & the biggest among the fleet, equal to the flagship or the battleship nowadays with pageant supper constructions for the Cheng Ho, Wang Jinghong & the other leaders, as well as for the ambassadors, foreign embassies.

2、 Horse ship: or called fast-horse boat, the middle-sized ship for big quick sea battle & transportation of the horse or other militant material.

3、 Gain ship: smaller than the middle-sized ship, mainly for the transportation of the grain or other logistic supports because the grain for 20000 people should be taken during the 2 or 3 years voyage as the abundant back supply.(just like the nowadays supply vessels)

4、 Seat ship: full name was battle seat ship, the big main battle ship in the fleet for the commanders & aides and staff, or called command ship for guarding the fleet.

5、 Battle ship: smaller than the seat ship for particular guarding & fighting

6、Water ship: special for store, transport fresh water