In 1802 the governmental system of the island changed when Kapoudan Pashas’ favorite George Dimas Voulgaris, the chief commander of the Turkish flag ship, was sent to Hydra. Voulgaris was appointed by the sultan as Kotzabasis and supervisor (Naziris) of Hydra, Poros and Spetses in order to regain peace and order on the island. His prudence as well as Ottoman favour, contributed to a well-governed island. The period of economical prosperity, the control of piracy and internal peace, which followed the years of Voulgaris’ rule, gave the Hydrians the opportunity to organize their society as they wished.

The constant fights against pirates changed them from farmers and shepherds into bold seaman. On the eve of the Greek National Independence War the island was on alert. Hydra had 120 ships ready for war, 45,000dwt, 5,400 men and 2,400 cannons.