Essex lost her main topmast during the breakout and anchored beyond the protection of Chilean guns. Hillyar now had the battle he had prepared to fight. Phoebe briefly suffered at carronade range, then withdrew, repaired, and resumed firing from roughly half a mile. Essex's attempts to swing at anchor, board, or run ashore failed as her rigging, guns, and command structure collapsed.
Chapter · 1:47:42-2:05:34
Range and mobility decided the Battle of Valparaiso
After a squall damaged Essex's rig, Phoebe used long guns, maneuver, and deliberate attacks on rigging to prevent Porter from closing or escaping.