The fleet's predicament followed Gustav's overambitious plan to land near St Petersburg. Vyborg Bay became one of the period's largest concentrations of naval force, although many present vessels never directly engaged. Russia held the bay and could claim the field, but Sweden's operational purpose became escape rather than possession. Most Swedish warships reached Sveaborg for repairs and the archipelago force reached Svensksund, so preserving the fleet in being set conditions for the war's final battle.
Chapter · 3:28:28-3:32:38
The Vyborg Bay breakout preserves Sweden's fleet
Gustav's failed approach toward St Petersburg trapped the Swedish fleet, but its breakout denied Russia the decisive destruction it sought.