A notable known one is Sir Francis Drake. He crossed into the pacific in 1578, took two treasure ships (among other, less important vessels carrying more mundan

A notable known one is Sir Francis Drake. He crossed into the pacific in 1578, took two treasure ships (among other, less important vessels carrying more mundane cargo), and returned in 1580. As a privateer, he surrendered half of his proceeds to the Queen. This half was worth more than all the other revenues of the Crown of England for that year. England and Spain were not officially at war at the time.