AKA Battle Line, line-ahead, or column formation One of the most historically important concepts with regard to naval warfare, the line of battle is also
Tag: age of sail
The Weather Gage
Also spelled weather gauge The weather gage refers to how two ships are positioned relative to each other in relation to the direction of the
Points of Sail
When discussing sailing tactics and naval warfare in the age of sail, the topic of points of sail frequently comes up. Points of sail merely
Tacking and Wearing/Jibing
Note: for the sake of simplicity, I’ll be using these terms in a very general manner. Different sailors from different eras, experiences, or backgrounds can
Giving the Prow & Melee Tactics
Sailing Vessels as Warships The development of sailing vessels from merchant ships into actual warships was a very slow and gradual process. By the 1400s,
Book Review: War at Sea in the Age of Sail by Bernard Ireland
There are many books on the history of the Napoleonic Era and the naval battles fought between the British Royal Navy and its opponents. These
Fair Winds & Following Seas 