Naval Battles In The 18th Century

In the mid-18th century, the design of the ship of the line stabilized in some standard types: the oldest with up to two decks, with 50 cannons firing through side doors, which were too weak for the line of battle, but could be used to escort convoys; those with two or three decks with 64 to 90 cannons that formed the main part of a fleet; and those with three or even four decks with 98 to 140 cannons that served as flagships. Fleets with 10 to 25 of these ships, with their supply ships and frigates for reconnaissance and communications, maintained control of maritime routes to the main European naval powers, while restricting the enemy s maritime trade. During the 18th century, the French developed a strategic doctrine that prioritized the outcome of the mission, rather than battling for command of the sea. Therefore, they preferred to engage leeward, in a position that left them free to withdraw in front of the wind. The French fleet allowed the British one to reach windward and, when it was parallel, before it bombed it, moved on. The wars of this century produced a series of tactically indecisive naval battles, between equivalent fleet on lines of battle, with different tactics and techniques.