Why Spanish treasure routes favored British interception

Why did British privateers take more Spanish supply ships than Portuguese ships?

Route geography made Spanish Atlantic traffic easier to intercept, while Portuguese ships approached along Africa under stronger naval cover.

Route geography explains the disparity more than a simple difference in ship quality. Spanish treasure traffic crossed the Atlantic and followed winds that brought it toward areas British ships could reach and watch. Portuguese shipping came north along the African coast, where an interceptor had to operate closer to Portugal's principal naval strength. Winds, geography, and fleet concentration all shaped commerce protection and raiding opportunities.