The available squadron is not strong enough to challenge the largest enemy fleet. It turns toward Europe instead, where it can defeat one of the weaker forces covering British ports. Removing even a single blockade is valuable because it immediately increases campaign income. Attainable local sea control matters more here than pursuing the strongest enemy concentration.
Notable Point · 2:08:37-2:09:19
Choosing the blockade squadron the fleet can defeat
Unable to challenge the largest enemy fleet, the British squadron turns toward a weaker blockade whose removal would restore revenue.