Several ships head back toward Europe while a mixed Caribbean force of fifth rates, sixth rates, and smaller vessels remains on station. Another ship is detached to raid a Spanish trade route in the hope of reducing enemy income, even though the move may attract pirates. The choices make commerce warfare part of fleet deployment. They also show how a navy divides limited hulls among concentration, local security, and attacks on an opponent's maritime revenue.
Notable Point · 1:00:09-1:00:45
Trade-route raiding and fleet distribution
Fleet redistribution between Europe and the Caribbean shows how commerce raiding, anti-piracy work, and battle-fleet strength compete for the same ships.