Plymouth, the weather gauge, and opposing battle doctrines

The famous bowls story is reframed as a rational response to an adverse tide: the fleet could not leave Plymouth immediately, and Drake was of limited use during final loading checks. Once at sea, Effingham's force worked to gain the weather gauge and attacked the Armada's crescent formation from range. Spanish doctrine sought a devastating discharge followed by grappling and boarding, supported by heavily manned ships and guns intended partly for land warfare. The English, with smaller crews and more manageable shipboard artillery, aimed to remain clear of boarding and damage Spanish mobility through repeated fire.