The Pirate History Podcast Episode 368 - The Battle of Vigo Bay
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Sep 30, 2025 Discover the pivotal Battle of Vigo Bay, a game changer in pirate history! Delve into the daring capture of a Spanish treasure fleet and its worldwide impact. Explore naval tactics, from maneuver warfare to ship-of-the-line strategies. Learn about the intense rivalry between Admirals Rook and Chateau-Renau and their tactical decisions during the battle. Uncover the chaos amid the smoke, the abandonment of ships, and the treasure left behind. Intrigued by the aftermath? Unearth mysteries and conspiracy theories surrounding this legendary encounter!
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Piet Hein's Game-Changing Prize
- Piet Hein's capture of the 1628 treasure fleet was transformational for Dutch power and wealth.
- That single haul helped launch the Dutch Golden Age and a new wave of colonization.
Two Fundamental Naval Strategies
- Naval warfare splits into maneuver and attrition strategies with distinct goals.
- Maneuver hunts advantages and surprise while attrition aims to out-damage the enemy over time.
Ship-Of-The-Line Is Attrition By Broadside
- Ship-of-the-line battles represent attrition warfare where lines trade broadsides to open weak points.
- Success depended heavily on wind, positioning, and continuous motion rather than static standoffs.