Battle of the Downs and the frigate-hull advantage

The 1639 Battle of the Downs shows a transitional moment in sail warfare. Dutch ships could maneuver, circle, and form variants of a sailing line against heavier Spanish ships whose doctrine and hull forms were less suited to the fight. Reported losses vary widely, but every account presented here gives the Spanish far greater losses than the Dutch. English neutrality offered little protection because England was not prepared to enforce it against the attacking fleet. Lower gun placement, heavier usable guns, and a lower center of gravity all served the practical rule that firepower is wasted if a ship cannot bring it to bear.