The Dutch-Spanish fleet included snows for communications, supply ships, and fireships alongside its larger fighting vessels. Spanish galleys added an oared force suited to Mediterranean conditions. These support vessels affected how squadrons could receive orders and sustain operations. The French fleet had somewhat greater average firepower and more guns overall, but also had a convoy to protect. Its gun advantage therefore came with an additional operational responsibility.
Chapter · 1:11:01-1:22:38
Fleet lists reveal Stromboli's communications and logistics
Support vessels and a French convoy commitment complicate a comparison based only on the fleets' gun totals.