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⚓ What Was the Provedoria das Armadas?

The strategic importance of the Azores justified—or made necessary—the creation of the so-called Provedoria das Armadas, an institution established in 1527 in Angra. Its primary purpose was to provide more effective support and protection to the ships that called at the port of Angra. This institution was responsible for addressing three key needs:

a) Crew Replenishment – Ships' crews, often weakened after months at sea, were resupplied with fresh water, biscuits, fruit, meat, and other essentials. The Misericórdia de Angra was built near the harbor to assist sick sailors arriving from India-bound ships. A crucial part of this replenishment was the distribution of fresh water, with each nau receiving an average of 20 barrels to sustain them until Lisbon. Wine was occasionally provided—around one barrel per ship—believed to help cure sailors' scurvy, as noted by historian Artur Teodoro de Matos.

b) Ship Repairs – Vessels, particularly Spanish ones, frequently suffered damage from powerful cyclones sweeping through the Havana-Florida-Bermuda triangle. The Provedoria das Armadas facilitated necessary repairs before the ships continued their journey.

c) Protection Against Corsairs – The waters surrounding the Azores had become a favored hunting ground for privateers. The Provedoria das Armadas played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of ships and their crews against pirate attacks.

To complement its role, the Armada das Ilhas was organized. This fleet would wait at the westernmost edge of the archipelago to escort India-bound ships safely to Lisbon, reducing the threat posed by pirates. For instance, in 1538, King John III, upon learning of increased pirate activity in the Azorean waters, issued precise orders to Provedor Pedro Anes do Canto, instructing him to protect Portuguese ships returning from India and Mina.

The ships were to be met at the western end of the archipelago (near Corvo) and then escorted to Angra, where they would receive the necessary security. There was, therefore, a close collaboration between the Provedoria das Armadas and the Armada das Ilhas to counter piracy and mitigate the dangers posed by enemy forces in the waters of the Azores.

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