Gibraltar provides the analogy for a fleet choosing to steam through a heavily defended approach instead of keeping its distance. A close target can force gun turrets to traverse rapidly, creating a real tracking demand for the defenders. Proximity also improves visibility and reduces the difficulty of estimating range and bearing until the problem approaches point-and-shoot gunnery. Exploiting a weapon's tracking limits does not compensate for presenting an obvious target inside its most dangerous engagement zone.
Notable Point · 2:16:11-2:17:03
Why closing a defended strait can simplify enemy gunnery
Sailing close past coastal guns may increase turret-tracking demands, but it also makes a ship easier to spot and turns long-range aiming into near point-blank shooting.