FLYING COLORS LIGHT

A simple version for fleet actions in the Age of Sail

Version 1a, August 16, 2019

2.2 Playing Pieces

1.0 Introduction
“Flying Colors Light” is a simplified version of Mike Nagels
Flying Colors published by GMT in 2005. The original game
provides a fairly detailed simulation of the large fleet actions
of the period but they take a long time to play. My intention
was to simplify the ship handling procedures and to accent
the fleet maneuvers so the game can be played in a shorter
amount of time. For those of you who are completely content
with the original game read no more, this variant will not be
for you. However, if you are interested in playing some of the
larger fleet actions in a shorter amount of time, this variant
should be of interest.
There are three types of playing pieces used during a Flying
Colors scenario: Ships (of which there are both large and
I have tried to break the game down to its important
small types), Commanders and Markers. Any number of
essentials and have edited out anything that tends to slow the
Commanders and Markers may be stacked on a single Ship.
game down. The major alterations are in the Sequence of
The specifications of each are provided below.
Play, taking away the ‘defensive fire’, overhauling the
command system and reducing the amount of die roll
modifiers. I found the command system far too cumbersome
2.2.1 Ships: These units represent the vessels involved in a
for the eventual penalty of having a ship out of command
battle or duel. Ships are categorized according to the number
merely move last.
of guns carried, with a ‘1st Rate’ ship being the largest and
carrying 100 guns or more. 1st through 4th Rate ships are
This variant is designed mainly for players who are already
considered ‘Ships of the Line’ and are represented with 1 x
familiar with the game and the period in general. If
1/2-inch pieces. Ships are two-sided, with the reverse used to
something is unclear, assume the original rules are in play.
depict a ‘damaged’ ship (a color bar is printed on the back for
The watchword is simplification. I am not trying to alter the
easy reference during play). Each ship is printed with its
game entirely, merely break it down to its essentials. Players
name and the following measures used during play:
will note that I have taken the original rules and edited out all
information that is not essential for play. I have not changed
2.2.1.1 Relative Rate: this is an indication of the weight of a
the original 'case numbers' nor tried to re-number them.
ship’s broadside (its firepower or how much iron it throws
out). Possible values are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, This value is further
For example the rules may jump from case 3.68, Drifting, to
modified during the Fire Resolution Process (3.7.7) if the
3.6.10, Backing Sails, because 3.6.9, Sternway, has been
ship has a symbol printed underneath its Relative Rate. A
deleted.
yellow symbol indicates that the ship is an over gunned 1st
Rate (120 guns or more). A white symbol indicates that a ship
With this new variant, the game plays faster and still is a
is relatively heavily armed for its Rate. A black symbol
good simulation of the Age of Fighting Sail.
indicates that it is relatively lightly armed for its Rate. A red
symbol indicates that a ship is primarily armed with
2.0 Components carronades only and is therefore limited to firing inside
carronade range (5 hexes). A hexagonal symbol indicates that
This simplification deletes all references to 'small ships' and a ship carries a substantial carronade battery in addition to its
is concerned mainly with Ships of the Line. long gun armament. A square symbol indicates that this
supplemental carronade battery is exceptionally heavy (such
2.1 Game Maps - No change as the U.S.S. Constitution and her equivalents). These colors
and symbols are used in conjunction, so a ship with a relative
Rate value bounded by a white hexagon would have a heavier

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broadside than is usual for its rate together with a substantial can issue orders. All ships falling within this radius may be
battery of carronades. considered ‘in command’ (per the Command rules under
3.3.3). The higher this number, the more effective a
2.2.1.2 Damage Capacity: This value is an indication of how Commander is in keeping his fleet under control.
many hits the ship’s hull can sustain, and still be an effective
firing platform. When the number of hits a ship has taken 2.2.2.3 Command Quality: This value represents the
equals or exceeds this value, it is flipped over to its experience and effectiveness of a Commander. This value is
“damaged” side, carrying over any excess and applying it to used to modify actions of the ship he occupies, but is
the Damage Capacity printed on a ship’s reverse. Some ships primarily used in determining a fleet’s initiative.
have their Damage Capacity bounded by a grey circle. These
ships are oared vessels (galleys, xebecs, etc) and do not rely 2.2.2.4 Victory Points: On the reverse of a Commander unit
on the wind to move (see 3.6.3). is an indication of how many Victory Points he is worth if
captured or killed during the action.
2.2.1.3 Marines: This value indicates a ship’s ability to send
and repel boarding parties. A ship whose Marine value has 2.2.2.5 Audacity Rating: In addition to the statistics noted
been reduced to one may only attempt to board an enemy on the individual units, each nationality in a scenario is given
vessel whose original or reduced Marine value is also one an ‘Audacity’ rating. This value is a reflection of how the side
(unless specified otherwise through Special Rule). behaved historically in battle, and is an indication of the
overall quality and flexibility of the fleet and the tenacity of
2.2.1.4 Victory Points: This value indicates the worth of the its commanders.
vessel when determining the victor after a battle as well as
when creating custom battles. 2.2.3 Markers: A large number of markers are included in
the game to track the status of each ship. The use of each type
2.2.1.5 Gunnery and Actual Rate: These values indicate the of marker is covered within the rules that require their use.
actual number of guns carried by a ship and its real, defined The number of markers provided is not a game limit. If
Rate. These values do not affect play and are provided as additional markers are required, players may create their
information only. own, or use similar markers from other games.

2.2.1.6 Ship Color: The color of a ship piece indicates its

nationality. On the larger ships, the nation’s naval jack is also
included. Check the Play Book included in the game for a list
of nationalities included in that game.

2.2.2 Commanders: These half-inch pieces represent the

fleet commanders available during each Fleet action. The
commanders are the heart of the game’s command and
control system, as they allow a fleet to act in unison.
Commanders are not used in Duels. The reverse of a
Commander unit indicates his wounded status (with
decreased values). Like Ship units, colored to indicate
nationality and marked with several measures used during
play:

2.3 Status Sheets

If players want to avoid using a lot of markers to indicate
ship status, status may be tracked on paper using status sheets
available for download on www.gmtgames.com. Write each
ship down prior to play and cross off each extraneous damage
2.2.2.1 Rank: The small number in the piece’s upper left box above the initial values tracked. As the ships take
corner indicates a Commander’s Rank. The higher this damage, cross off damage boxes as necessary. The status
number is, the greater the Commander’s Rank. Generally sheets can also be used to track fired and moved status. Ship
speaking, a ‘3’ is a fleet admiral, a ‘2’ a divisional admiral status sheets are open to examination by all players.
and a ‘1’ is a commodore. If a fleet includes two or more
admirals tied for the highest rank, the scenario setup indicates 2.4 Turn Track
which is the fleet admiral (an important distinction for Only the Duel map includes a track to mark the current Turn
victory determination). number. For Fleet actions, use a hex column along an edge of
the map out of the way of the action. Use hex xx01 to mark
2.2.2.2 Command Range: The upper number to the right of the first turn, xx02 to mark the second and so on.
the Commander portrait represents the distance at which he

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2.5 Game Dice are marked with a Rank value next to their names. The higher
One 10-sided die is used. Treat a roll of ‘0’ as a zero this number, the greater the rank.

2.6 Game Scale 3.3.2 Flagships: The ship that holds a fleet admiral at the
The hexes on the map are roughly 100 meters across and beginning of the scenario is considered the flagship.
each game turn represents five to ten minutes of time. Conversely, a ship designated as the flagship at the beginning
of a scenario holds the fleet admiral (for those instances
3.0 Core Rules - Edited where more than one leader share the same highest rank). An
The Core Rules covers all of the basic mechanics of admiral may not leave a ship.
movement and combat used for the Fleet game. Any
mechanics not referenced in these additional sections use the 3.3.3 Commands: A ship is 'in command' if it is in the
Core Rules as written. command range of one of its admirals or is within 4 hexes of
ship that is itself 'in command'. Unlike the original game it
3.1 Sequence of Play – Greatly Altered does not matter if the ship is 'facing exactly the same
The sequence of play is the order in which you perform the direction as the rest of the ships that are in command. There
game functions the rules provide. The sequence of play is are no 'group commands' although a ship could be in
repeated for a number of turns noted in each scenario. command because is in a formation.

1.) Wind Change Die Roll (not on turn 1) Formation Commands: Ships may be set up on the map in
2.) Command Determination (rule 3.3) such a way that they are in a formation. To be in a formation:
3.) Determine Initiative (rule 3.4) • Each ship in the formation must be within 4 hexes of at
4.) Player #1 moves all of his ships, ships do not fire least one other ship in the same formation. No enemy vessel
5.) Player #2 moves all of his ships, ships do not fire may occupy one of these hexes, but the hexes may be
6.) Fire Phase: Both players fire their ships, one ship at a counted around an enemy vessel.
time. Player #1 fires the first ship, Player #2 fires the • One of the ships within the formation must include a
second ship and then Player #1 fires his second ship. commander. There is no limit to the number of ships that may
This alternating sequence continues until every ship on be included in a Formation Command. When activating a
both sides have fired. Alternately, players may decide to Formation Command, each ship may be activated in any
fire all ships of one side only. Whatever method is order.
chosen, fire is considered to be simultaneous as far as
effects are concerned. Out of Command: Ships not conforming to the 'In
7.) Both players now have the option to attempt to grapple command’ rules are considered ‘Out Of Command’. (rule
with enemy ships that are adjacent. 3.5.1).
8.) Melee attacks are resolved Commands are determined at the beginning of each turn, so a
9.) Both players check the Ship Status of their vessels ship may fall out of command during a turn, but is still
10.) Victory Check to see if the scenario has ended considered part of a command until the end of the turn. All
ships are considered “in command” during the first turn of
General Overview of Play: any scenario and are part of the nearest Formation command.
After checking for any wind change each player determines Exception: Ships of a side that begins a scenario without
which ships are in/out of command and commanders are all Out Of Command for the duration of the
who commands each formation. A roll of the die for initiative scenario (unless specified otherwise by the scenario’s rules).
determines which player will designated Player #1 for that
turn only! determines who will be the first active player. 3.3.4 Determining Commands: Players must determine
Player #1 moves all of his ships, even those that are out of which ships are in command, and if any ships are out of
command. (However these must move last) Player #2 then command. Any ships that are not in command are marked
moves all of his ships, including those out of command. with an ‘Out Of Command marker.’ There is no other ill
These move last just like for Player #1. After all ships have effect from being 'out of command' other than those ships out
been moved players proceed to fire all of their ships as of command must move last.
outlined in the Sequence of Play. The effects of fire are
entered in the logs or the on board markers are used. 3.4 Determine Initiative
After commands have been determined, each player rolls a
3.2 Wind Adjustment Segment die to determine initiative. Players add the current command
Every fifth turn roll a ten sided die during the Wind quality of their fleet admiral to the die roll (or the fleet’s
Adjustment Segment. If the roll is a 0, roll another die and Audacity if the fleet admiral is dead or captured). The player
check the Wind Adjustment Table. with the higher modified die roll wins the initiative for that
turn. In the case of a tie, the winner is that side with the
3.3 Command Determination higher Audacity rating. The winner of the initiative decides
which player will move first.
3.3.1 Commanders: Each fleet is usually assigned one fleet
admiral and one or more subordinate commanders, depending
on the scenario. Commander units represent these
individuals, and are placed with ship units. Commander units
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3.5 Command Activation increase a ship’s MPs by one (provided it already has at least
The player who won the initiative for the turn either begins 1 MP) and add one to the Weather Change die roll. When
moving his ships one at a time or delegates the enemy player Calm, decrease a ship’s MPs by one and deduct one from the
to begin moving his ships first. The player moving first for Weather Change die roll. In addition, Drifting movement (see
the turn is designated Player #1 for that turn only. 3.6.8) occurs only on even numbered turns when Calm.

3.5.1 Out of Command Ships: Ships that are out of

command move last, that is the only ill effect of being out of
command.

3.6 Movement
When a ship is activated as part of a command activation or
when a single out of command ship is chosen, the ship is
moved through the map grid from one hexagon, through one
or more adjacent hexagons, depending on the ship’s
Movement Rate. Hexes may not be skipped over while
moving.

3.6.1 Facing: When placed on the map, a ship occupies one

or two hexes, depending upon its size. The front of a ship unit
must always face a hex side, not a vertex. If facing comes
into question, the opposing player selects the appropriate
facing. Surrounding the ship unit are several hex sides. The
front most hex side is the ship’s bow hex side. The rear hex
side is its stern hex side. All of the hex sides to the ship’s left
and right are its port and starboard hexsides, respectively.
3.6.4 Moving a Ship: A ship is moved by advancing it
directly across its bow hex side, into the hex in front of its
bow. Doing so expends one of its Mps.

3.6.5 Wearing: Wearing is the process of turning a ship

without moving its bow through the wind. It is a relatively
easy maneuver, but one that can be time consuming when
trying to move a ship up-wind. After expending a MP, a ship
may rotate its stern left or right into an adjacent hex. (in other
words pin the bow and the stern will move) A ship may only
rotate its stern one direction in each hex it moves into (it
3.6.2 Movement Rates: Depending upon its relationship to cannot wear twice in the same hex during the same
Wind Direction, a ship will have a number of Movement activation). Unless ‘Tacking’, a ship may never turn its bow
Points (Mps) that it must expend in that turn (Exception: directly into the wind while turning. Turning may or may not
collisions, anchoring, consume MPs, depending upon the direction turned relative
grappling and running aground). MPs may not be saved for to the wind.
later turns. A ship’s position relative to the wind direction is
described by the following nautical terms:

• Running: the ship is pointing in the same direction as the

wind (4 Mps).

• Reaching: the ship is pointing 60 degrees to the left or right

of the wind direction (5 Mps).

• Beating: the ship is pointing 120 degrees to the left or right

of the wind direction (2 Mps).

• Taken Aback: the ship is pointing directly into the wind

direction (0 MPs). Also called ‘In Irons!’
• Reaching to Running: 1 MP
3.6.3 Movement Rate Modifiers: • Reaching to Beating: 2 MP
• Weather Effects: Some scenarios may include a Weather
Condition option, either ‘Breezy’ or ‘Calm.’ When Breezy,
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Any other changes in direction do not cost MPs. A ship with Place an ‘Adrift’ marker on ships with zero MPs when
only 1 MP (due to rigging damage) may wear in place from activated to indicate this status. A drifting ship may never
Reaching to Running. It may not wear from Reaching to cause a collision. If a drifting ship will move a ship into a hex
Beating. already occupied by another ship, the drifting ship is left in
place.
PLAY NOTE: Moving into a quicker position relative to the
wind will not gain any movement points until the next game
turn. Moving into a slower position relative to the wind will
not lose any movement points until the next game turn.

3.6.6 Tacking: Tacking is the process of turning a ship by

moving its bow through the wind. This is a more efficient
way of moving up-wind, but it is also a risky maneuver,
particularly in combat. Failure to Tack successfully may
leave a ship ‘In Irons’ and unable to move! Only ships that
begin their move while Beating may perform a Tack (i.e. it
cannot be done mid-turn). To Tack a ship, follow this
procedure:

1) Declare a Tacking maneuver for a Beating ship by rotating

the ship on its stern to face directly into the wind. Note that
this is the opposite of Wearing!

2) Roll a die and check the modified result on the Tacking

Table. The table indicates if the ship ends up ‘In Irons’ or is TACKING EXAMPLE: The example above shows how a
able to continue the Tacking maneuver. ship might move two hexes into the wind using Tacking. The
process takes two turns to complete (unlike Wearing, which
3) If the result from the Tacking Table is anything other than takes several turns to achieve the same result). To initiate its
‘In Irons,’ continue to rotate the ship through the wind so that first Tack, the ship rotates its bow into the wind. A die is then
it is now Beating on the opposite side of the wind. If the rolled and the result checked on the Tacking table. In this
Tacking table indicates the receipt of any MP, the ship must example, two MPs result. The first action (requiring no MPs)
continue to maneuver normally until all are expended. Since is to rotate the ship’s bow away from the wind. The two MPs
a ship can only Tack at the beginning of its turn, it cannot are then used to advance straight ahead. In its second turn,
perform any additional Tacking during the same turn. Place the ship attempts another tack, but in the opposite direction.
an ‘In Irons!’ marker on any ship that does not complete a The resulting maneuver places the ship two hexes closer to
tack. Ships that are ‘In Irons’ are considered adrift for the wind it as Drifting, 3.6.8).
Grappling (3.6.16) purposes.
3.6.10 Backing Sails: A ship may ‘reduce’ its movement rate
by ‘backing sails.’ When doing so, a ship expends 1 MP in a
hex without moving forward. Only 1 MP may be expended in
a hex to back sails. Expending a MP to back sails counts
towards the turning requirement (i.e. a ship may Wear in
place). A ship may not back sails prior to Tacking, but may
do so after a successful Tacking result. The maximum
number of MPs a ship may use to back sails is one half of
their initial movement rate, rounded down (i.e. a ship with 1
MP cannot back sails).

EXAMPLE: A ship begins its turn reaching, and (for

whatever reason) has a movement rate of six (6). The ship
may expend up to three (3) MPs to back sails. It expends its
first MP to back sails and turns into a beating position (at a
cost of 2 MP). It expends its fourth MP to advance one hex. It
expends its fifth MP to back sails. It expends its sixth and
final MP to advance one hex. The ship has spent six MPs but
3.6.8 Drifting: Ships that are Grappled (3.6.16), fouled only advanced two hexes.
(3.6.15), dismasted (3.7.11), or struck (3.7.11) have no Mps.
In these cases, move those ships one hex with the wind 3.6.11 Stacking Ships: Ships may pass through hexes
during the Drift segment of the Ship Status Check phase. If occupied by other ships, provided that they do not end their
the wind state is ‘Calm,’ Drifting movement occurs only on move occupying the same hex as another ship. If it is
even numbered turns. impossible to end an activation without having one ship
stacked upon another, then the active ship is moved back to
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the last position it occupied before entering an occupied hex and/or Grappled markers from the disengaging ship and the
and it must check for Collision. ship to which it was attached.
Players must make every effort to avoid Collision by turning,
backing sails etc. If doing so results in the active ship being 3.6.19 Anchoring: Anchoring is allowed only by scenario
forced into a less than optimal position, then that is special rules. In such cases, a ship may start a scenario at
unfortunate. anchor, or may drop anchor during the course of play.
Anchoring is the only way to purposely halt movement. An
3.6.12 Large Ship Pass-Through: If an active ship has anchored ship that fires applies a +2 die roll modifier on the
enough MPs to clear a large enemy ship, it may pass directly Hit Results Table.
through that ship counter from any of the port or starboard
hexes shown in the Facing diagram (3.6.1). Once the bow Dropping Anchor: A ship that wishes to anchor must declare
hex of the active ship moves clear of the enemy ship, then the this action at the start of its activation.
active ship may turn (where it has sufficient MPs) without
restriction. An active ship may change facing while its bow Slipping Anchor: A ship that wishes to slip anchor must
hex overlaps one of the hexes of the enemy counter. declare this action at the start of its activation. The anchored
marker is removed and the +2 bonus is immediately lost (i.e.
3.6.15 Collisions: If it is impossible to avoid ending one before any firing). The ship receives Movement Points equal
ship’s move in a hex occupied by another ship, the ships may to half those shown on the Movement Table (round fractions
collide and become fouled together. A drifting ship may never down to a minimum of 1MP) and may not Anchor during
cause a collision. Whether or not a collision occurs, the this activation. On the turn following the ship may maneuver
moving ship ends its turn in the position prior to overlap. normally. On the next turn they receive half Movement
Ships may not collide on purpose! If any movement is Points with the restrictions described above. On the turn
possible through the creative use of wearing and/or backing following they may maneuver normally.
sails that would allow the avoidance of a collision, that move
must be taken. In addition, if it seems a collision check is 3.7 Fire Combat
unavoidable, the moving ship must back sails as often as The goal of Fire Combat is to damage an enemy vessel in
possible in order to burn the maximum number of Mps prior such a manner as to either slow it down (through Rigging
to impact. To check for a collision, roll a die and reference damage) or to sink it or cause it to ‘strike its colors’ (e.g.
the result on the Collision table. Deduct the Command surrender). The Fire Combat mechanics follow this process:
Qualities
of any commanders available on the moving and ‘target’ 1) During the the fire phase a ship selects a target that is
ships. Increase the die roll for the moving and target ship’s within both range and line of sight (e.g. there’s at least a
Relative Rate (+1, +2 or +3 each), if the moving or target chance of hitting it).
ship is damaged (+1 each) and the number of MPs the
moving ship was unable to expend. If the modified result is 2) The firer determines the amount of firepower available that
greater than 9, the moving ship becomes fouled with the first can be hurled at the target.
ship it could not move through. Place a ‘Fouled’ marker
across both ships to indicate this status. Fouled ships are 3) The firer then selects the shot target (Rigging or Hull).
‘adrift.’ Players do not roll for the possibility of a rake. A rake is a
rake.
3.6.16 Grappling: In order to board an enemy ship to capture
it, the enemy ship must be grappled. If after both players 5) The firer rolls a die to determine the result of the shot.
have moved their ships a ship shares a port or starboard hex
side with an enemy ship that is Adrift, In Irons, Dismasted, 6) Any damage resulting from the shot is applied against the
Anchored, orFouled, it may attempt to Grapple once. target ship and the firing vessel marked with the appropriate
If successful place a’ Grappled’ marker astride each Broadside Fired marker.
ship. Ships that are fouled may attempt to grapple the ship(s)
with which they are fouled. In the fire phase, ships that are 3.7.1 Fire Limitations: A ship may fire twice per turn, once
grappled are considered to be firing simultaneously, This fire from each side of the ship. Ships may only fire during the fire
is considered Point-Blank (3.7.9). phase after all movement. There is no defensive or inter-
active fire. A ship may fire both
3.6.17 Fouled/Grappled Effects: Ships that are Fouled and/ broadsides simultaneously during the fire phase.
or Grappled may not move when activated. Instead, they may Each broadside is resolved separately.
attempt to disengage when activated. Ships that remain
Fouled and/or Grappled at the end of the turn will drift during Masked Broadsides: Ships that sail close to other friendly
the Drifting segment of the Ship Status Check phase. ships may lose their ability to fire due to obscured lines of
sight. If during the fire phase a friendly ship is closer than
3.6.18 Disengaging: When activated, a Grappled and/or any potential target the firing ship may not fire at all. The
Fouled ship may attempt to cut free from any one enemy partial broadsides have been totally eliminated in this
ship. Ships desiring to disengage must roll a die and refer to version.
the Disengagement table. If successful, remove all Fouled

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3.7.3 Line of Sight: In order to fire at an enemy ship, a clear c) Determine Actual Firepower: Modify the base firepower
line of sight must be available between the attacking and value by the following cumulative factors:
target ships. Let common sense prevail here. If there is not a
100% clear line of site to a target the ship may not fire. +1 If the firing ship’s Relative Rate value is bound by a white
symbol and the unmodified firepower rating on the
3.7.6 Wind Effects: The affects of wind have been simplified FirepowerDetermination table is shaded
to the single case of a fleet being windward in heavy winds or
higher has a -1 modifier to the hit table if he is firing. –1 If the firing ship’s Relative Rate value is bound by a black
circle (on the counter) and the unmodified firepower rating
3.7.7 Fire Resolution Process: As indicated, Fire resolution on the Firepower Determination table is shaded
is a multi-step process. All fire combat should follow the
steps outlined below. +? Firing ship’s fleet Audacity rating

1) Target Selection: The firing ship selects a Target vessel. +2 Firing Broadside for the first time
The Target vessel must be within Range and in plain Line of
Sight. If a ship is grappled or fouled with a ship within one of # Cumulative Carronade Bonus
its broadside arcs (even partially) it may only target that
vessel when firing through that specific broadside arc. +2 Point-Blank fire (3.7.9) range of 5 hexes)

2) Range Determination: The maximum distance at which d) Determine Hit Results: After determining firepower,
an enemy ship can be attacked is ten hexes (exception: ships consult the firing ship size-specific (large or small ship) Hit
with a Relative Rate value bound by a red symbol have a Results Table and roll a 10-sided die. Modify the die roll for
maximum of 5 hexes) the following reasons (to a maximum modification of +5):
• If the Target Type is the Rigging:
3) Target Type Determination: Prior to rolling the die the +1 if French ship firing
attacking player states if he is aiming at the Hull or the
Rigging of the target vessel. • If the Target Type is the Hull:
+1 if British ship firing
4) Rake: The row of hexes that extends along the length of a
ship is called its “Rake Line.” Any ship firing down a targets • Other Modifiers
'Rake Line' receives a bonus in firing. +2 if firing while anchored
+2 battery firing
Rake Effects: All Hull damage resulting from a rake is –3 if firing down own Rake Line.
increased. Stern rakes double Hull damage. Bow rakes
increase Hull damage by 50% (dropping fractions). Cross-reference the modified die roll with the previously
determined firepower value. Use the appropriate target type
Firepower Determination: The ability of a ship to project column rigging or hull. The result indicates what type of
force is referred to as its Firepower. A ship’s Firepower is damage is done to the target ship (if any). An ‘H’ result
determined by cross-referencing its Relative Rate with the indicates a Hull hit. An ‘R’ result indicates a Rigging hit. An
range to the target on the Firepower Determination Table. ‘M’ result indicates a Marine hit. A number to the left of a
Follow these steps to determine a ship’s Firepower: letter code indicates a number of hits of that type (example:
2HRM translates as two Hull hits, one Rigging hit and a
a) Determine Rate Row: Use the (1) row if the active ship’s Marine hit). An asterisk (*) noted as part of the damage
Relative Rate is bound by a yellow symbol, otherwise use the results indicates the chance of a fire breaking out on the
row corresponding to the ship’s current Relative Rate (1-6, G target ship (3.7.11 ). Use the Hull, Rigging and Manpower hit
or T). Once the correct row is found, shift up one or more markers to keep track of a ship’s damage.
rows, depending upon the following modifiers:
3.7.9 Damage Limits and Modifications: Circumstances
• shift up by one for each six points of Hull Damage on the may call for a limitation on damage or damage may be
firing ship. enhanced.
• shift up by one when firing while Dismasted. • Marine Damage: No ship may have its Marine value
• shift up by one when firing while On Fire. decreased to less than ‘1’ by Marine hit markers.
• Grappled/Fouled Fire: Benefits from the +2 Firepower
NOTE: If the cumulative shifts result in a Relative Rate bonus of point-blank are implemented
falling off the table (i.e. more than ‘T’), the attack has no When firing at a grappled or fouled opponent
effect and the ship’s broadside is marked as fired. only the hull may be targeted.

b) Determine Base Firepower: Cross-reference the Rate 3.7.10 Carronades: Carronades were shorter, large bore guns
row value with the range to the target to find the base fired at close range, first used by the British in 1779.
firepower value. Depending on the year in which a scenario takes place, ships
may be armed with a variety of carronades. These provide
cumulative Firepower increases on the Firepower
7
Determination table. Use the table below to determine these • It is both dismasted and within five hexes of an enemy ship
modifiers. or shore battery which is closer to the dismasted ship than
any friendly ship or shore battery. The friendly ship/shore
Years 1779-1826 battery must have at least one hull hit remaining and may not
have struck.
British, American, French, Dutch fire, range 3 or less +1 If vulnerable due to hull damage, a ship strikes on a modified
Square Rate, range 3 or less +2 die roll of ‘4’ or more. If vulnerable due to being dismasted, a
ship strikes on a modified roll of ‘6’ or more. If a ship meets
EXAMPLE: A British ship with a hexagonal Relative Rate both conditions, it strikes on a modified die roll of ‘2’ or
value firing at a range of one hex would increase their more.
Firepower by +3. (not die roll)
For all striking rolls, reduce the die roll by the fleet’s
3.7.11 Damage Effects: As ships sustain Rigging and/or Hull Audacity rating and the Command Quality of the highest
damage, the effects of the damage mounts and begin to ranking commander on board. Ships that have struck may not
degrade a ship’s ability to maneuver and fight. move or fire. They will drift one hex during the Drift segment
of the ships Status Check phase. A struck ship cannot evade a
H Rigging Damage: For every three Rigging hits (ignore grappling attempt and does not melee. Struck ships that have
remainders) reduce a ship’s movement rate by one and apply been grappled are automatically captured during the Melee
a –1 modifier toward Tacking rolls. These penalties take Combat phase. Struck ships will not sink. Struck ships may
effect the next time the ship is activated. A ship that has not be part of a formation, nor may commanders on them
sustained 15 Rigging hits is ‘dismasted’ and may only drift create formations.
for the remainder of the game. During the Drift segment of
the Ship Status Check phase, every immobile ship drifts one Sinking: A ship is vulnerable to sink when it has no hull hits
hex with the wind, so long as the drift will not cause a remaining. A ship sinks upon a die roll equal to or less than
collision. Drifting ships never cause collisions, although they its original rate (or a 7 for G and T ships). Add one to the die
may be collided with. As long as a drifting ship has not had roll if the rate is bounded by a black dot. Deduct one or two
its Hull damage capacity reduced to zero, it may still be from the die roll if the rate is bounded by a white or yellow
activated to fire. dot, respectively.
A ship may no longer fire if its Hull damage capacity is
Marine Damage: Each point of Marine damage sustained reduced to zero. When a ship sinks, any commanders aboard
decreases the ship’s Marine value by one. A ship’s Marine are eliminated. Also, any ships currently fouled (but not
value may never be decreased to less than one. Double all grappled) with the sinking ship are dismasted. Note: This rule
Marine damage results on all attacks occurring at point- does not mean the ship has gone to the bottom; rather it has
blank range (grape shot is much more effective at close become so awash as to be completely unreliable as a vessel.
range).
Fires: During fire combat, any result that includes an asterisk
Hull Damage: Ships have two possible states, damaged and (*) indicates that a fire may have started on the target ship.
undamaged. Ship units begin the game displaying their Roll a die. If the result is less than or equal to the number of
undamaged side (unless special scenario rules dictate hull and/or rigging hits sustained by that attack, the ship has
otherwise). When a ship unit has sustained enough hull hits to caught fire. A fire never ignites when a ‘9’ is rolled,
equal or exceed its damage capacity, flip over the unit to its regardless of the amount of damage taken. During the Ship
damaged side (carrying over any excess hull damage.). Fires segment of the Ship
Example: A ship with a damage capacity of four on its Status Check phase, check the status of the fire by rolling on
undamaged side sustains six points of hull damage. Flip the the Fire table. The fire may be extinguished, cause further
ship over to its damaged side, carrying over two damage damage, or even spread to fouled and grappled ships nearby.
points. Other damage sustained (Rigging and/or Marine) is If the result is a 5-9, regardless of whether the fire is able to
carried over in full. The damaged side indicates reduced spread to other ships, roll another die. A roll of ‘9’ results in
attributes (Relative Rate, Marines, etc.). Every six Hull hits the burning ship exploding and sinking! Remove the
(ignore remainders) increase a ship’s Relative Rate by one exploded ship and any ships fouled or grappled to it from the
(meaning the number of available guns is actually decreased). game. Note: this differs from a ship simply sinking, which
A damaged ship that has only three or fewer Hull hits does not affect ships grappled to it.
remaining is marked with a ‘Vulnerable’ marker to indicate it
may strike its colors. Commander Casualties: Whenever a ship carrying one or
more commanders suffers damage (including Melee losses
Striking: A ship is vulnerable to strike under two conditions. 3.7.12.d and fire control, 3.7.11, roll a die for each
If either condition is met during the Striking segment of the commander on board. A roll of ‘9’ results in a commander
Ship Status Check phase, the ship must roll on the Strike being wounded. Flip the commander to his ‘wounded’ side. A
Table: wounded commander has his command Range and his
Quality reduced. When receiving a wound, roll another die. If
• It is damaged and has three or fewer hull hits remaining. this die is less than or equal to that side’s Audacity Rating,
the commander has been killed and is removed from the
game. A commander may be wounded more than once, but
8
there is no further effect. When this occurs, simply roll again indicates the number of dice rolled by each side in
to see if the commander is killed (in other words, a ‘9’ must determining the victor inMelee Combat. The defender always
be rolled before there is a chance for death). has one Melee Combat die, regardless of the number of
Melee Combat points available. If the attacker cannot muster
Commander Capture: A commander is automatically and at least as many Melee Combat points as the defender, no
irretrievably eliminated if a ship on which he is located is attack may take place. Regardless of the number of Melee
sunk or captured. Combat points the attacker can muster, no more than four
dice may be rolled (a maximum ratio of 4:1).
3.8 Melee Combat
Opposing forces may capture enemy ships by boarding them. MELEE COMBAT VALUE EXAMPLE: The attacker has a
A captured ship is generally worth more victory points than total Melee Combat value of 11 to the defender’s value of 4.
one that is sunk. Assuming that the attacker is storming a ship that has a better
Relative Rate, the ratio would be 2 to 1. If the attacker had
3.8.1 Melee Process: After all ships have been activated, better Relative Rate, the ratio would be 3 to 1.
Melee Combat may take place between ships that are
grappled together. Only ships that are grappled to enemy d) Melee Combat Resolution: To resolve Melee Combat,
ships (or friendly captured ships) may engage in melee each player rolls a number of dice equal to his ratio value.
combat. The player who won the initiative at the beginning of The values of each side’s dice should be summed together
the turn selects the order in which melee combats are and compared.
resolved. After selecting a group of two or more grappled One of the following will occur:
ships, the initiative player indicates whether he will attack
and how Marine points will be allocated (if necessary). If the • Defender’s roll is higher: The defender has repulsed the
initiative player declines to attack, the non-initiative player attacker’s assault. The attacker loses one Marine value
has the option to attack and allocate Marine points. If the from each ship involved in the attack.
non-initiative player declines to attack, no melee combat
takes • The rolls are equal: The defender has repulsed the
place. attacker’s assault. Both sides lose a single Marine point. If
multiple ships are involved in the attack, players may select
a) Melee Rate Limitation: Regardless of the background which ship loses the point.
color of an attacking or defending ship in melee, the current
relative rate of a defending ship may not be more than two • Attacker’s roll is higher: The attacker’s assault has
points larger than the current relative rate of the attacking succeeded and the defender’s ship has been captured. The
ship (i.e. a 4th Rate ship may not attack a ship greater than a attacker loses one Marine point from any one of his involved
2nd Rate; a 1st Rate may only be captured by a 2nd or 3rd ships, and a Captured marker is placed on the captured ship.
Rate; etc.)
3.8.2 Nelson’s Patent Bridge: If a captured ship is fouled
b) Determining Melee Combat Value: Prior to engaging in with another enemy ship, the capturing side may immediately
melee combat, the melee combat value of each ship needs to try to grapple the second ship and attempt to capture it with
be determined. To find this value, check the Marine value of any remaining Marines through the Melee Combat process.
a ship, deduct any Marine damage, and add the command Continual attacks may be attempted against additional fouled
quality of all commanders on-board. If the attacker has a ship enemy ships, so long as each melee attack is successful and
grappled to one or more enemy ships, he may divide the the attacker has sufficient Marines to initiate an assault.
ship’s Melee Combat value as desired between each enemy
ship (example: If a ship whose Melee Combat value is 5 is 3.8.3 Captured Ships: Captured ships may not fire
grappled to two ships, it may use three points against one of offensively or defensively, nor may they initiate Melee
the ships and two against the other). At least one point must Combat. They may be part of a command for the purposes of
be assigned to each attack or the enemy automatically activation and movement.
captures the attacking ship. If two or more attacking ships are Captured ships that are not part of a command must attempt
grappled to a single defending ship, all of the attacking ships’ to move away from the nearest enemy ships if possible.
Melee Combat values are totalled into a single value. If two Captured ships may be recaptured if they are boarded and
or more attacking ships are grappled to two or more lose the ensuing Melee Combat. A captured ship has an
defending ships (two on two, three on four, etc.), the attacker inherent Marine value of one, regardless of what is printed on
indicates how he will allocate his Marine points. Marine the ship unit itself. Captured ships are attacked in the same
points on defending ships are not allocated-they remain with manner as non-captured ships. If a ship is recaptured, remove
the ship to repulse any attack. the Captured marker and add sufficient Marine loss markers
to indicate a single remaining Marine point. Recaptured ships
c) Melee Combat Ratio: Once the Melee Combat values of share the same attributes as captured ships if enemy forces
both the attacking and defending ships have been determined, attack them again. Recaptured ships may conduct fire attacks
compare the attacking value to the defending value in terms normally (their crews have been released). Captured ships
of a ratio, rounding to the nearest whole value in favour of never check for Sinking if they have no Hull hits remaining.
the side with the lower Relative Rate (increased by one for
each six hull hits sustained) or the defender if tied. This ratio
9
3.9 Victory Determination • Increase the die roll by the rolling side’s Audacity rating to
A game ends when the scenario’s listed number of turns is a maximum of 1.
completed (at which stage victory points are tallied for ships
captured, sunk, and damaged), or as soon as one of the b) Combined Fleet Break-off: In the event that one or both
opposing fleets breaks (3.8.3). sides have a multi-national fleet, each nationality within the
fleet rolls separately using its own Audacity rating (but uses
3.9.1 Victory Points: The values of ships at the end of a the noted fleet admiral and the combined lost ship ratio
game are tallied thus: regardless of nationality).
If either nationality breaks, the entire fleet breaks as well,
• Captured enemy ships: 2x Victory Point Value unless specified otherwise in the scenario rules.
• Sunk enemy ships: Victory Point Value
• Damaged or Dismasted enemy ships: 1/2 x Victory Point
Value (retain fractions)
• Killed commander: Victory Point Value INDEX
Undamaged ships sailing off a map edge are considered
damaged and score victory points only for the side with the Actual Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.1.5
lower audacity. Anchoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.19
Arc of Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.4
(DESIGN NOTE: The side with the higher Audacity is the Audacity Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.2.5
aggressor, who will lose victory points if his ships sail off the Awash Ships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.7
map). Damaged ships sailing off the map edge are scored Backing Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.10
normally. A ship is only worth its maximum value (so a Batteries/Shore Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.6
damaged, captured ship is only worth the value of a sunk Beating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.2
ship). Surviving undamaged ships that were not captured are Break Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.8.3
not worth any points, nor are ships that were recaptured Broadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.74
during play (although the latter denies points to an opponent). Captured Ships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.14
Carronades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.10
3.9.2 Victory Levels: A battle that lasts through the last turn Chases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.2.2
without one side breaking is a normal victory for the side Collisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.15
with the higher victory point total. If the totals are tied, the Command Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.2.2
side with the lower Audacity rating gains a marginal victory. Command Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.2.3
Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.3.3
3.9.3 Break Check - Greatly Modified Commander Casualties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.11
On the first turn that a side loses a vessel (sunk, struck, Commanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.3.1
captured or sailed off the map edge) and each turn thereafter, Carronades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.10
a die roll is made on the Break-off Table during the Victory Damage Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.1.2
Determination Segment to see if that side has broken off the Damage Limits/Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.9
action. Disengaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.18
If the result is less than or equal to zero (0) that fleet has Dismasted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.11
decided to cut and run. If this occurs then both player Drifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.8
evaluate victory points based on the damage that each side End of the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1
has inflicted on the other. Excess Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.8
It could occur that a player breaks off the action but actually Evasion, Evasion Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.16
wins the scenario because he has inflicted more losses on the Facing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.1
enemy. Fire Combat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7
Note, both sides must roll for ‘break off’ if they have lost a Fire Resolution Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.7
vessel as described in the first sentence of this rule. Fires (Ships on fire) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.11
A fleet that loses all of its commanders automatically breaks. Firepower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.7
Flagships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.3.2
a) Break-off more likely: Fleet Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.2.2
Fleet Admiral (Rank) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.2.1
• Reduce the die roll by one if the opposing fleet has twice as Fleet Commanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.2
many undamaged ships as the player rolling the die Fouled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.16-18
Full Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.3
• Deduct the command quality of the fleet’s admiral if he is Grappling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.16
captured or has been killed in combat. Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.3
Hit Results Determination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.7
Deduct another -1 for every 3 ships that are either sunk, Hull Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.11
dismasted or captured or left the battle area (12 hexes away In Irons! (Taken Aback) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.2
from the nearest enemy ship) Initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.4
Line of Sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.3
b) Break-off less likely: Manpower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.7
10
Marines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.1.3
Mixed Fleets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.2
Meeting Engagements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.2.1
Melee Combat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.8
Movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6
Nelson’s Patent Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.13
Out of Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.3.3, 3.5.1
Pass-Through . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.12-13
Point-Blank Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.9
Port Broadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.4
Rake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.7
Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.7
Rank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.2.1
Rate (Ship Size) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.1
Reaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.2
Relative Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.1.1
Rigging Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.11
Running . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.2
Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5
Sequence of Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1
Ship Duels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.0
Shore Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.6
Side Slipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.7
Stacking Ships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.11
Starboard Hex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.1
Status Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3
Striking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.11
Subordinate Commanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.3.1
Tacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.6
Taken Aback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.2
Tournament Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.2
Victory Determination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.9
Victory Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.1.4
Vulnerable (Hull Damage) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.11
Wearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.5
Weather Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6.3
Wind Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7.6

11