The galley carried no sails, and the knights were soldiers rather than sailors, and fought on the deck of their ship, as if defending a breach, or storming one held by the enemy.

Moreover, as all of them had already made one or more voyages, they were accustomed to such duties as they would have to discharge on board.
All were glad when an order was published for the galley to sail.

On the eve of departure Gervaise was sent for by the grand master.

The general of the galleys was with him when Gervaise entered the room.

The bailiff of Auvergne always held the position of grand marshal, and the bailiff of Italy that of second in command, with the title of grand admiral.
These officials, however, as heads of their respective langues, had many other duties to perform, and it was only on great occasions that they took any practical share in the work of which they were nominally heads.
The real control in all naval questions rested with the general of the galleys, who was elected by the council, but on the nomination of the grand master.
His power when at sea with the fleet was absolute.