Spanish and French ships were of bigger tonnage and with the same guns. Their ports were higher above the water, giving them
an advantage
over the British. A squadron usually consisted of 3 divisions: the advance-guard, the
centre and the rear-guard. A division included up to 15
warships. A squadron of the late 17th century also had hospital ships and special
lifeboats for the drowning. Special attention was
paid to the organization of reconnaissance. This was provided by fast ships like yachts,
for instance.
