Taking down the opposing ships' masts would make it possible to pick them off one at a time. The idea connects gunnery effects directly to maneuver because damaged propulsion can prevent a sailing warship from keeping station or supporting nearby vessels. The later duel repeats the aim by using sustained fire to reduce the opponent's ability to maneuver. Mobility damage can therefore create opportunities to isolate targets as well as inflict direct harm.
Notable Point · 31:22-31:30
Disabling masts to isolate enemy ships
Damaging an enemy fleet's masts offers a way to reduce mobility and create opportunities to defeat ships separately.