18th century naval battles in the early to mid 18th century would generally have two opposing lines of warships sail parallel to each other, each attempting to pound the other ships into submission, hence the large build up of cannon over the century, from 104 guns total for a three decker, all the way up to 120 guns. here three First Rate ships of the line, three British Royal Navy, hence the yellow markings, the other three French, attacking each other in this method.