Stately at Zealand Point

HMS Stately provides a class example of a 64 undertaking serious line-of-battle work. Prince Christian Frederick was Denmark's last available ship of the line and was expected to cover the movement of a French-led corps of Spanish troops. British ships cut passages through sea ice, coordinated frigates and sloops as scouts, and transferred live cattle while preparing the pursuit. Stately and the captured former Danish ship Nassau then brought the quarry to action. The battle joins the tactical value of a 64 with the reconnaissance, provisioning, and winter readiness that made the engagement possible.