At Muros Bay in 1543, sixteen Spanish ships defeated a French force of twenty-five. The larger Spanish vessels supported both gunfire and boarding, while the Bazáns personally led the fighting and concentrated on the opposing flagship and senior commanders. The younger Álvaro was only seventeen, but he was already exercising something closer to command than simple attendance at his father's side. The French lost almost their entire fleet, whereas Spanish losses were far smaller. The family command pattern was already visible: adapt ships and guns for effectiveness, then strike decisively at the enemy's leadership.
Notable Point · 9:17-14:02
Muros Bay and the Bazán method of battle
At Muros Bay, the elder and younger Bazán used heavy ships, disciplined gunnery, boarding, and attacks on enemy command ships.