Trafalgar Part One

Well, this was like being thrown into the deep end.

At least I had read the rules, Grand Fleet Action in the Age of Sail.  It also turned out I had played a game with them, but seven years ago.  The AAR can be seen here:   One Sided Miniature Wargaming Discourse: Battle of Cape Finisterre - 1805

For Trafalgar we had Julian (who supplied all the ships - Sails of Glory models), James (who supplied the venue and hospitality) and Stephen as the Combined Fleet commanders.  Mark B was Collingwood and I was Nelson.

My squadron, the Weather Column is on the left,

Collingwood is on the right

The British forces.

The situation after the first turn.

Note measuring stick on the right-hand edge of the table.

The ships are moving between 2 to 4 segments,

it's light wind so things are a bit slow.

But the British do have the wind :-)

End of Turn 2.

Collingwood is under fire.

The forward and rear enemy squadrons have turned to starboard

(and are very close to the table edge).

Turn 3 and Collingwood is returning fire with devastating effects.

Turn 4 and Collingwood is in the midst of the Combined Fleet.

The situation as it appears from the other side of the table (east).

A slightly closer image than the one above.

The enemy ship Santa Ana is in serious trouble

Turn 5 and the Santa Ana has struck.

For Nelson's squadron the Africa has now come within range of the forward enemy ships.

Turn 6 and the Victory has joined the Africa in engaging the enemy.

The bigger picture at the end of Turn 6.

There are still many British ships to come up.

The table from the right-hand side, looking north.

The enemy rear squadron has effectively gone in a circle.

I have obscured the table edge, but it might present a serious problem unless ships start coming about.

(The table edge appears as a brownish smudge).

Now for a much more balanced and informative post, check out James's post at: 

The Chauvinistic Blog: Trafalgar part the first