The Dutch fielded roughly sixty-two ships, 1,900 guns, and 7,000 sailors against sixty-eight Commonwealth ships, 2,400 guns, and 10,000 sailors. The totals conceal a further qualitative edge because many Commonwealth crews and leaders had recent Civil War experience. More men improved resilience to casualties and supplied a larger boarding force after the opening broadsides. Blake also held the weather gauge, allowing him to choose the pace and direction of the action while De With had to respond from leeward.
Chapter · 2:22:21-2:31:11
Numbers, trained crews, and the weather gauge
Kentish Knock began with a substantial Commonwealth advantage in ships, guns, sailors, and the ability to choose the terms of engagement from windward.