"Avoiding Confrontations" From the historical scenario book

[DeRuyter]

We played this scenario Friday night. 4 players using all the Advanced Rules.

The Duguay-Trouin and Guerriere were returning from Haiti and attempting to run into the Spanish port of Corunna when they were intercepted by part of a patrolling British Squadron. Two 74s in the scenario. The French objective is to exit on the British side of the Board. The British need to eliminate one of the two French ships to win. The British start in the center but the wind is in the favor of the French.

I used one of the Hebe class frigates for the Guerriere since she was a 36 gun frigate anyway. In the first game the French out maneuvered the British and only several broadsides were fired before they got away. The second game was very close with the British concentrating on one French ship. The French SOL took a broken mast hit at one point and then with several moves left to exit the board she caught fire! (the only fire chit drawn the game). I used Andy's fire fighting rules and while she only took one damage. One last broadside finished her off a turn before exiting. The Hebe class withstood a couple of long range shots, but found it hard to get in close for a raking shot loaded with chain. One British player adroitly remained in irons for several turns drifting backwards until the right moment and he turned to present his broadsides to both French ships.

Several photos:

First shot - not quite a rake on the Guerriere



The French trying to sail through. You can see the one British 74 in irons to the left - waiting for the right moment to turn.


Last French Broadside before the end. The other British ship is out of the picture astern.