 The most common type of Mycenaean vessel based on depictions of contemporary art was the oared galley with long and narrow hulls . The shape of the hull was constructed in a way to maximize the number of rowers . Thus , a higher speed could have been achieved regardless of wind conditions . Although it carried mast and sail , it was less efficient as a sailing ship . The Mycenaean galley offered certain advantages . Although lighter compared to the oared @-@ sailing ship of the Minoans of Crete , it seated more rowers . Its steering mechanism was a triangular steering oar , a forerunner of the latter steering oar of Archaic era . 
