Sovereign of the Seas supplies an example of the trade between size and manoeuvrability in Anglo-Dutch fighting. In the engagements recalled here, the ship loses control of its movement and fights Dutch vessels that come within reach. Its size, crew, and armament make it difficult for several opponents together to capture or sink. One prolonged attack gives the rest of the fleet time to send help before the Dutch can overcome it.
Notable Point · 1:36:36-1:37:55
Sovereign of the Seas: difficult to manoeuvre and difficult to overwhelm
A large sailing warship's poor manoeuvrability could leave it surrounded, while its crew and firepower bought time for reinforcements.