The Battle of Cape St Vincent

Refought using Signal Close Action Fast Play Rules.

The battle started with the Spanish caught completely unawares in four columns of sailing, with the 4^th column (8 ships) well to leeward of the other three. The British were formed in line of battle steering a course between the main Spanish body and the leeward squadron.

The Spanish struggled with the unfamiliar concept of signalling and were still trying to get their fleet into some semblance of a battle line as the first broadsides were exchanged. The British opened fire to port and starboard, the Spanish fire being limited to those broadsides that cpould be brought to bear. Some of the Spanish gunnery was a little too enthusiastic and broadsides were exchanged between their own ships.

The British admiral was clearly unhappy about sailing between the Spanish squadrons and soon signalled a reduction in sail, followed by an order to engage the leeward squadron. In response the Spanish column led by the Santisima Trinidad altered course to support the leeward column. The British van at this point decided to ignore the reduce sail order and sped through the narrow gap between the Santisima and the Principe de Asturias.  This manoeuvre succeeded as the Santisima hauled her wind unable to break the closely spaced British line. This doomed the leeward squadron to the undivided attention of the forward ships of the British line. Firstly HMS Blenheim boarded the Principe de Asturias. The boarding melees were inconclusive for a number of turns but the Principe was battered by four British ships and when she had lost most of her broadsides she struck her colours.

Meanwhile the British centre squadron was now in action and had to face a determined attempt  by the leeward Spanish squadron to break through to their friends to windward.  This was certainly a brave move especially as the windward squadrons were making no attempt to support them (the Spanish still struggling with signals and with no initiative shown by the Spanish column commanders). In rapid succession the Firme, San Firmin and the San Antonio struck to the overwhelming British broadsides.

 Our refight ended at this point. The Spanish had lost four ships with only two thirds of the British fleet so far engaged. An  overwhelming British victory was the only possible conclusion.