Just a thought that popped into my head while watching one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. During one of the naval battles the British navy seemed very organized as far as ship maneuvers. I know this was just a movie but how would that play out in real world applications for the time period?
In: Technology
Today fleets keep large distances from one ship to another, at times with no eye contact. That’s why you may be asking the question.
In the past, there was an initial plan that all boats followed. Until the 20 century they kept eye contact with each other. Then, they used signaling devices like flags and fire or shots from canons. Sometimes they fought just a hundred feet apart. In some cases they sent small boats to other ships with messages. With ropes tied between them they sometimes sent provisions and ammunition to others or brought in wounded sailors for treatment.
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