Kentish Knock: grounding, gunnery, and rescue

Action began at about five in the afternoon in slack wind near the dangerous Kentish Knock shoal. The Dutch leeward position could ordinarily extend their range, but the gentle conditions favoured larger English ships with more uniform batteries and experienced gunners. Sovereign and James grounded, while Resolution and Dolphin pressed too far ahead in Blake's attack. Other English captains closed to prevent Blake's ships from being surrounded. De With's Prins Willem was disabled, further reducing his already limited control. The shoal and weak wind amplified the English gunnery advantage, while each fleet's response to its commander exposed the difference in cohesion.