In brutal naval battles where ships were the basic operational units, the defeated forces mostly faced complete annihilation.
If the Warship in the advantageous upwind position could not overpower the enemy, it could easily escape by "sailing into the wind."
The downwind Warship, however, caught in hundreds of meters of turbulent currents, could hardly keep up in pursuit. The distance would only grow wider until its crew could only watch helplessly as the enemy's silhouette receded.
Similarly, if the downwind Warship was overpowered by the opponent, it had no means of escape.
Everyone knew that with the mainmast shattered and no chance of quick repair, the Thirteen Braves had no way to escape.
WHOO WHOO WHOO...
The mournful wails of the Organ continued unceasingly. One in every twenty shells exploded thunderously, tossing men and horses about on deck amidst billowing smoke.
The casualty rate among the crew quickly exceeded 60%.
