British mobilisation and sea-going experience

The Royal Navy responded to Spanish entry by bringing ships out of ordinary and commissioning even captured vessels that might not otherwise have been preferred. It also had a large pool of officers seeking employment, allowing imperfect ships and crews to join an already practiced fleet. Continued service at sea improved ship handling while the allied fleets spent more time constrained in port. Commanders could replace officers who proved unsuitable, while the newly commissioned ships gained experience alongside the established squadron.