THE WEATHER GAUGE IN PRACTICE AND IN NAVAL WARGAMES

-THE WEATHER GAUGE IN PRACTICE AND IN NAVAL WARGAMES -

Every naval age of sail movie has some kind of mention about

"seizing the weather gauge"

But did it really guarantee victory? In this video I look at real Napoleonic battles where the weather gauge was decisive, and others where it meant almost nothing. Then I demonstrate the tactics with #blackseas squadron actions and #beattoquarters single-ship actions.

I break down what the weather gauge actually does, including the heel effect. Why did the British favor the windward position while the French sometimes preferred the lee gauge? What happens when wind strength changes the equation? Using British and French ships with overhead shots, I show how these tactics work on the tabletop.

The historical examples include Trafalgar, the Glorious First of June, Shannon vs Chesapeake, the Battle of the Nile, and Lake Erie. All paintings are from Wikipedia Commons.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction & Master and Commander quote
04:17 - What IS the weather gauge?
11:06 - Historical examples
18:45 - Why position wasn't everything
22:55 - Black Seas and Beat to Quarters demonstrations
54:35 - Wargaming lessons
59:03 - Conclusion

Got questions about age of sail tactics or wargaming? Drop them in the comments.

Видео THE WEATHER GAUGE IN PRACTICE AND IN NAVAL WARGAMES канала Linus Napoleonic Shipyard