Barbarigo led the Holy League left, Don John the center, Doria the right, and Bazán a 38-galley reserve. Senior papal, Venetian, Spanish, Neapolitan, and Maltese commanders clustered around Don John's flagship in the center. The Ottoman fleet deployed Sirocco, Ali Pasha, and Uluç Ali across its wings and center. Sources leave the exact position and composition of an additional Ottoman reserve uncertain. Composite bowmen figured more prominently in Ottoman manpower, so hull counts alone did not describe combat power. The Ottomans had more vessels and many fast galliots, while the Holy League relied on heavier firepower, six galleasses, and flexible employment of its reserve.
Chapter · 46:43-53:17
How the opposing fleets divided their formations
A formation-by-formation comparison shows the Holy League's artillery advantage against greater Ottoman numbers and lighter galliots.