How did small Age of Sail commerce-raiding squadrons work, and what was the weather gauge?
Short answerThe weather gauge conferred wind and initiative, while frigates dispersed or concentrated according to the enemy's trade pattern and prize opportunities.
NotesHolding the weather gauge placed the wind in a squadron's favor and helped it choose the pace and direction of battle. A small commerce-raiding group might contain four or five frigates assigned to a broad area. They could separate when enemy trade was dispersed and regroup when a convoy justified concentrated force. Prize money aligned the captains' tactical flexibility with the aim of capturing valuable shipping.