British forces consisted of 1st rate, 3x 3rd rate, Indefatigable and 5th rate. All veterans, bu generally without upgrades.
French forces consisted of 1st rate, 2x 3rd rate, Bucentaure and a sloop. Smaller fleet, but sturdier and also all with veteran crews.
Both forces deployed in 2 lines. French 2 lines (or rather, in that case, pairs of the ships ) were relatively close to each other, while Brits separated themselves by far. Both strategies have their advantages and disadvantages, which was visible later on...
The main advantage for the Brits was that 1 of their lines will surely be the first to move (E or W wind direction we determined in random after fleets were deployed)
Both navies started firing from bow placed cannons, but to minimal effect. British had thei first salvo at the French 1st rate. Probably too early, as they could not use their carronades due to the distance. But there was a huge threat to French colossus - rudder was hit and it wasn't sure which direction he is going to sail. Luckily - to his right - exaclty as he would anyway! Lucky me
Countersalvo dealt massive damage, but no crits. And british ship still was in play. Other ships moved to positions.
The next round was a continuation of a duel between the French 1st rate and British 3rd rate. Some crits from the smaller ship made no diffrence - 1st rate salvo was superior by far. British crew considered to surrender for a moment but decided to keep fighting (re-roll)... to their demise. The French ship-of-the-line that was so far sailing behind, moved forward and was able to shoot 2 broadside - one to a frigate attempting wide flanking maneouver and then to severly damaged British ship which was sunk as a result. Frigate was heavily damaged too due to the first broadside, but survived on 4HP and crew was in play despite the ods...
Then came British retaliation. Several broadsides against the 3rd rate that was leading the second French line wasn't enough against the brave crew.... A single shot from bow cannon from Indefatigale (probably hit a captain) made the crew to lose their hearts and place a white flag. At the same time Bucentaure experienced the salvo from the British 1st rate.
The fourth round was about to be the last one. Another British 3rd rade came close to the French 1st rate guns... Dealt more damage, sure, but a huge salvo was to much to British sailors and the struck the colours. So far closly sailing French ships could deal, in total, more damage as they supported each other better... But now they were at risk of coliding. If the 1st rate gets entangled with Bucentaure, all advantage could have been lost... Bucentaure rolled 1. The 1st Rate - 4, ufff, what a relief. Now the colossal French ship was just in the position to deliver broadside at the British flagship. With limited vision, but at point blank range.
It was enough to make British to surrender... With the final result, in points (24 : 7).
I used my 1st rate in battle for the first time. So far I thought it is too cumbersome to be efficient... But it turns out that despite clear disadvantages, it is a force to be reckoned with!
As usually a great fun and great time to sail on the open waters. And be able to slap some British boats, especially if amongst them, there is Indefatigable, which feels like a legal cheat...
Comments