English action mattered even though it did not immediately destroy many Spanish ships. Its operational effect was to disrupt Spain's timetable rather than win by a quick tally of sunk vessels. Continuous long-range fire drove the Armada along the Channel and denied its crews opportunities to rest, pause, and organize. That pressure consumed the time Medina Sidonia and Parma needed to communicate, select a rendezvous, and synchronize the fleet with the waiting army.
Notable Point · 51:14-54:02
English harassment destroyed the Armada's timetable
The English fleet's decisive effect was not ship sinking but relentless pressure that denied Spain time to coordinate, rest, or prepare its rendezvous with Parma.