James Lind is quoted on the unusually good health of about fourteen thousand people confined aboard ships for six months. Regular resupply gave crews food described as better than many would have received ashore. Keeping the ships clean helped control disease, while gun drill and fleet maneuvers provided constant exercise and practice. The blockade therefore maintained fighting skills while it contained the French fleet. Long service on station could improve readiness when adequate supplies and routines supported it.
Notable Point · 3:10:55-3:12:09
How months of blockade improved health and fighting practice
Fresh supplies, clean ships, and daily exercise allowed a fleet kept offshore for months to remain healthy and well practiced.