Sustaining a blockade at sea

A blockade depended on a sustainment system far larger than the ships visible off the enemy coast. Replenishment at sea long predates the world wars, and by the Napoleonic Wars small merchant vessels regularly carried meat, livestock, vegetables, water, powder, and shot to the fleet. Ships also rotated home for refit, repair, and resupply while replacements came out to preserve the station's strength. Supply vessels could sail back with ships due for refit and return alongside their replacements. Distance increased every burden, so maintaining a fleet off Toulon required a more demanding chain than blockading Brest from Britain.