Naval Battles

[Tomisama]

Naval Tactics 101

If you are up wind you have the advantage of closing quickly with the enemy. If you are down wind you can run away from the fight.

It is my understanding that the former windward approach (more aggressive but risky) was favored by the English (who had more ships to lose), and the opposite leeward attack was favored by the French of the same period (who had less). Neither was exclusive, but the consideration of the larger picture was of some effect.

If tacking is not required in the game, then most probably where the wind comes from may be nullified also. Does anyone have any definite knowledge?

[Fisherking]

It is my understanding that the former windward approach (more aggressive but risky) was favored by the English (who had more ships to lose), and the opposite leeward attack was favored by the French of the same period (who had less). Neither was exclusive, but the consideration of the larger picture was of some effect.

If tacking is not required in the game, then most probably where the wind comes from may be nullified also. Does anyone have any definite knowledge?

Tomisama

The British preferred to have the Weather Gage (up wind of the enemy), while the French wanted an avenue of escape.

Once battle is joined however it becomes difficult to flee with out some speed advantage and you may expose your self to a transom shot or a rake.(a shot through the back of the ship or straight down the bow)

Closing with the enemy is the ticklish part. Various maneuvers can be tried to put your self in the best position but having the Weather Gage gives you the initiative.

The windward would possibly expose you to long range fire but also may give you the advantage of crossing the T (shooting down the length of the line). It is usually a risk worth taking as ships in this position are almost guaranteed to damage the enemy vessels. The British considered long range fire a waste of ammunition and unlikely to result in serious damage. (not always so!)


Most of the decisive engagements were fought in under point blank range. (about 200m is considered point blank) Sometimes less than 50 feet!

Of course doctrine tells you to not allow the enemy to engage you decisively while you must find a way of defeating them “decisively”. A bit tricky!

Tacking is possible and gives you a speed advantage over sailing into the wind.

Ships in the game trying to sail up wind will be significantly slowed but will still make progress…rather than be blown backwards.

It should not nullify the Weather Gage.



I don’t know if I have made anything clearer or just gone on like a politician and said nothing?

[=NF=RuzSkullen]

So there will be a MP 4 the Naval Battles online, interesting I'll have to read the CCS topics

[Tomisama]

Tacking is possible and gives you a speed advantage over sailing into the wind.

Ships in the game trying to sail up wind will be significantly slowed but will still make progress…rather than be blown backwards.

It should not nullify the Weather Gage.

I don’t know if I have made anything clearer or just gone on like a politician and said nothing?

Then there will be wind effects

And yes, you did say something


A word to those who might think that sea battles might be less complicated than land ones.

If you have ever experienced trying to shoot from a moving platform, at another moving platform that is shooting back, you might reconsider your assesment

[Fisherking]

A very good point Tomisama.

A little lead goes a long way when targeting at a ranged target, and timing is essential so that the shot doesn’t just plow into a wave.

Also fire and maneuver is something to think about. Doing the unexpected, especially against a Human opponent is key if you expect to win.

Locking your ships together and seeing who has the best timber is not my idea of a true naval battle.

[KozaK13]

Ofc people are going to play naval battles...

Do you think that there will be naval maps? eg. North sea and mexican gulf? as different areas had different conditions? Also do you think reefs will rear thier ugly head?

[Sir Beane]

Ofc people are going to play naval battles...

Do you think that there will be naval maps? eg. North sea and mexican gulf? as different areas had different conditions? Also do you think reefs will rear thier ugly head?

Yes and yes. I especially hope reefs make it into the game. Fighting near a reef is a whole different game to fighting on the open sea. Suddenly the smaller boats with a shallower draught have a large advantage.