The Cadix Line

The merchant navy vocation of Saint-Malo, a prosperous town with a reputation for the boldness of their sailors, its big families and its industry, took shape after the big Discoveries. For two centuries, these "Men of Saint-Malo" were the undisputed masters of a triangular commerce between the West of France, Spain and South America.
The natives of Saint-Malo, after being the first to open the road to Newfoundland, tried to undermine the monopoly of the « la Carrera des Indias ».

The cod and fabrics of Vitré, merchandise much appreciated by the Court of Spain, was a considerable trading currency between Brittany and Andalousia.
The "Cadix Line", a regular maritime liaison, was ensured by powerful frigates navigating in flottillas, for more than two centuries. Their mission was to escort all the merchant ships till safely at harbour.