Ships, Sailors & Soldiers: Comparing the Spanish and English Fleets

Spanish Fleet Composition and Characteristics - Total ship count: The Spanish fleet consisted of exactly $130$ ships. - Battleship specifics: Within the fleet, there were $64$ dedicated battleships. - Auxiliary vessels: The fleet included a significant number of storeships. - Maneuverability and Speed: The Spanish ships were characterized as being slow and difficult to maneuver.
English Fleet Composition and Characteristics - Total ship count: The English fleet comprised approximately $200$ ships. - Battleship specifics: There were $54$ dedicated battleships. - Auxiliary vessels: The English utilized approximately $140$ converted merchant ships. - Maneuverability and Speed: In contrast to the Spanish, English ships were smaller and more maneuverable.

Spanish Manpower - Soldier count: There were approximately $30000$ soldiers stationed on the ships. - Reinforcements: An additional $20000$ soldiers were prepared to join the fleet from the Netherlands under the command of Parma. - Professional sailors: The fleet was manned by approximately $8000$ experienced sailors.
English Manpower - Soldier count: The English had approximately $20000$ soldiers available. - Training level: The majority of the English soldiers were described as untrained. - Professional sailors: The fleet included approximately $14000$ experienced sailors. - Condition of sailors: Despite their experience, many of these sailors were unpaid or sick.

Spanish Command - Primary Commander: The Duke of Medina Sidonia served as the overall commander. - Commander Profile: He was noted for being brave and well-organized; however, he was inexperienced in naval matters at sea. - Staff Support: He was accompanied and supported by a group of experienced commanders.
English Command - Primary Commander: Lord Howard of Effingham held the position of commander. - Commander Profile: Like his Spanish counterpart, Lord Howard was considered inexperienced. - Senior Leadership: The English command structure was bolstered by two highly experienced Vice-Admirals: Francis Drake and John Hawkins.

Spanish Armament - Total Cannon count: The fleet was equipped with $2000$ cannon. - Operational range: These cannons were designed mainly to fire over short distances while at sea.
English Armament - Total Cannon count: The English fleet possessed nearly $2000$ cannon. - Technology: The English cannons were lighter and quicker in operation compared to those of the Spanish. - Operational range: These weapons were designed to be effective over longer distances, unlike the Spanish equivalents.

Spanish Tactics and Goals - Boarding Strategy: The primary tactic at sea was to maneuver close enough to enemy ships to allow soldiers to board and capture them. - Primary Objective: The overarching goal of the fleet's tactics was to ensure the army reached England safely.
English Tactics and Goals - Long-Range Engagement: The strategy at sea was to destroy enemy ships from a safe distance by utilizing cannon fire. - Primary Objective: The core tactical mission was to prevent the Spanish Armada from successfully landing on English shores.