The Russian squadron brought another experienced allied line under Van Heiden. His choice of Azov over the largest available ship paired him with the eminent Mikhail Lazarev and gave the flag a hull able to move farther into confined water. Captain quality and local geography could matter more than nominal gun count. Flagship selection here was an operational decision shaped by personnel and the waters in which the fleet expected to fight.
Notable Point · 52:40-54:02
Why Van Heiden chose Azov as his flagship
Van Heiden selected Azov for Captain Lazarev's quality and the ship's shallower draft, prioritizing command effectiveness and access inside the bay over maximum size.