Cadiz was the predictable European destination of the treasure fleet, making it the blockade's focal point. Maintenance and replenishment prevented all forty English ships from remaining continuously on station, so the commanders sustained an offshore force and a closer inshore squadron. Those rotations also had to retain enough strength to fight the convoy and answer a sortie from Cadiz. Stayner commanded the inshore element from Speaker when the convoy finally appeared.
Chapter · 22:25-23:49
Keeping watch off Cadiz
Blake and Montagu rotate ships through an inshore-offshore blockade designed to catch treasure convoys and contain Cadiz.