The English king knew the opposing ships, embarked personnel, and sailing pattern while de la Cerda had little information about English preparations. Edward matched the reported enemy strength with roughly fifty ships even though many English hulls were smaller than their Castilian opponents. He compensated by concentrating two of his sons, leading nobles, men-at-arms, and archers aboard the fleet. Intelligence also revealed that about 47 Castilian vessels were approaching in dispersed groups, giving the English a vulnerable main body to target. This turns intelligence, force loading, and timing into a single operational advantage before the fleets make contact.
Notable Point · 34:34-35:54
Edward III builds the battle around intelligence
Edward assembled about fifty ships and a dense boarding force with detailed knowledge of the Castilian fleet's strength and dispersed approach.