FLEET TACTICS IN THE AGE OF SAIL

Fleet tactics in the age of sail were used from early 1600s until 1860s when steam powered warships came into being. Such tactics were primarily determined by the sailing and fighting qualities. Due to limited weapon range, tactics in the age of sail were always dominated by ship on ship combat. The Commanded line was invented in the 1650s to achieve coordination and cooperation. Ramming became obsolete during this period. Here are some tactics which were used during the age of sail:

1. Line of Battle Tactics. The line of battle tactic was the primary tactic in which two columns of opposing warships would manoeuvre to bring the greatest weight of broadside guns. Effective range was within three hundred yards and firing arcs of broadside were limited to about twenty five degrees. Training of gun was slow, therefore, guns were trained by manoeuvring the ship.

2. The Column as Means of Control. The column itself was a means of controlling the force and effective concentration of firepower. Cohesion, control and firepower were valued more than speed.

3. Doubling. It was a tactics to split a column into two and move on either side of enemy’s single line of ships to envelope them. Nelson successfully doubled on the French at the Battle of Nile (1798).

4. Fighting at Anchor. A number of battles took place at anchor. Such battles tended to be decisive, as a wind which was fair to allow the attackers to enter a harbour would let neither side out again.