HMS Captain gives the sharpest battlefield example of the 74-gun balance. One British 74 was involved in taking two of the four Spanish prizes, San Nicolás and San Josef. San Josef carried a nominal 112 guns and therefore represented a far larger first-rate opponent. The captures made it difficult to dismiss the third rate as merely the cheaper middle of the battle line. Firepower, handling, crew performance, and support from the wider fleet could let a 74 help overcome a much larger ship. The action connects the earlier procurement argument directly to the tactical result celebrated after Cape St Vincent.
Notable Point · 1:15:31-1:16:37
HMS Captain and the capture of San Josef
One British 74 helped take San Nicolás and the 112-gun San Josef, demonstrating third-rate combat value against larger ships.