Across several runs, the British usually gain an early advantage even though the American twelve-gun broadsides are formidable. In a head-on approach, the British can bring nine guns forward to bear while American ships must turn farther and initially expose fewer guns. Early damage to a slower line then disrupts manoeuvre and compounds the British advantage before American weight of fire fully tells. A parallel broadside engagement would favour the Americans, while a running meeting engagement gives British speed and forward arcs more influence. The conclusion concerns engagement geometry rather than universal design superiority.
Chapter · 50:42-58:29
Why the British win more simulated meetings
Repeated runs suggest that American firepower is destructive, but British speed and rapid initial fire often decide a meeting engagement first.