El Capitana, also known as the El Rubi, holds a significant place in history as a treasure ship from the Nueva Espana Fleet. Serving as the flagship of the fleet, it embarked on a perilous journey alongside armed galleons, merchant ships, and smaller vessels, laden with valuable silver pesos and gold coins. Tragically, in 1733, the fleet encountered a devastating hurricane that led to the fateful wreck of the El Rubi and 21 other ships along the treacherous reefs of the Florida Keys.

Setting sail from Havana harbor on July 13, 1733, the fleet aimed to return to Spain. However, just a day later, they found themselves at the mercy of a powerful hurricane that unleashed its wrath upon the ships, driving them onto the unforgiving reefs. In the face of this catastrophic event, only five out of the 22 vessels managed to survive. Four of them sought refuge in Cuba, having navigated the storm safely, while one resilient ship continued its journey to Spain unharmed.

In the years that followed, the Spaniards, aided by the assistance of the indigenous people inhabiting the Florida Keys, engaged in salvage operations to recover the remnants of the shipwrecks. These ill-fated vessels remained undisturbed on the reefs for several centuries, bearing witness to a bygone era of maritime history.

The Capitana El Rubi Segundo embodied all of these qualities and surpassed expectations in the 1733 Spanish Treasure Fleet. As one of the few surviving vessels from the devastating Florida hurricane, along with the warships Almiranta El Gallo Indiano and refuerzo El Infante, the Capitana carried an immense fortune estimated at around 13,000,000 pesos in gold, silver, and copper. To this day, there is speculation that some of the Spanish treasure may still lie buried beneath its hallowed decks.

Not only was the Capitana a vessel of extraordinary wealth, but it also held a prominent position within the fleet as the Flagship. As is customary, the Flagship represents the pinnacle of grandeur and distinction, leading the way with its unparalleled magnificence. Boasting the finest accommodations, commanding size, remarkable speed, and formidable armament, the Capitana El Rubi Segundo surpassed all expectations, earning its rightful place as a symbol of maritime excellence and power.