The fleet is ordered to destroy the enemy ships because the immediate need is to break the blockade, rather than acquire more prizes. It divides to approach from both sides while automatic fire remains off for ships under direct control. An adverse wind slows the maneuver and threatens to place British vessels in the same difficult position the enemy will face farther downwind. An idle galleon joins the fight, and the remaining ships concentrate to finish the action. Victory restores a British fleet to European waters, reopens trade, and moves the campaign economy out of bankruptcy.
Chapter · 2:46:02-2:54:35
Breaking a blockade to restore the British economy
A final fleet action aims to destroy, rather than capture, the ships blockading British trade and relieve the campaign's financial pressure.