Quote Originally Posted by Brutus
I've heard so, yes. However, I've also heard some of these ships actually reached the America's. Most importantly, however, it seems this ship contained the order's treasure (see "National treasure"? ). I personally find it hard to believe this were to be the Holy Grail itself. (also, that leaves the question: what ís the Holy Grail, or, better still, is it a person instead of an object?)

I'd say so too. It would certainly explain why indeed the Portuguese and Scottish kings didn't believe these accusations
Concerning to the Portuguese, it's true that King Dinis didn't believe those accusations of heresy, and he simply founded the Order Of Christ to replace the portuguese templars and many others knights who fled to Tomar. However, the Kings of Portugal have many reasons to support the Templars, because:
- Their presence dates back to 1128, when Portugal was just a county of Leon-Castile.
- The Templars support Portugal's independence in 1143.
- They were given extensive possessions and castles in frontier land, during the "reconquista".
- They built the Tomar Castle, one of their major strongholds in Europe.
(see "Order of Christ" in wikipedia)

Part of Templar fleet did reached portuguese ports, however the order's treasure seems to have disapeared...or not?
In fact, the first ages of the Order Of Christ were indeed prosperous and they launched the first great wave of expeditions of the period of discoveries; with templar ships and money? well, there are no conclusive evidences and we just may guess...