Saturday the local HMGS-South group played a Revolutionary War naval game at the Dogs of War shop using the Flying Colors rules. The scenario was a simplified version of the battle of Cape Henry, 16 March 1781. Old Glory miniatures were used instead of the games ship counters.
The British line split into two formations and attempted to double the French van, but the French maneuvered downwind to avoid this. A 120 degree wind shift then gave the French the weather gage. The British sustained more damage overall, although the leading French ship accumulated enough hull damage to strike her colors.
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- With nine ships in each fleet, only the leading ships fit on the table at the start.
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- On the second turn the British split into two formations. The French maneuver in a single line for several more turns.
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- A stern rake forces the leading French ship to strike.
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- The British switch from formation commands to group commands.
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- The rear of the French line comes into action at long range.
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- The flagship of the British second in command is nearly dis-masted. The British struggle to maneuver around the crippled French ship which has struck.
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