The wind was direct in their favour, and they could have easily avoided the contest, but, confiding in their enormously superior force, they sailed boldly forward to the attack.
The king himself led the English line, and directing his vessel towards a large Spanish ship, endeavoured to run her down.

The shock was tremendous, but the enemy's vessel was stronger as well as larger than that of the king; and as the two ships recoiled from each other it was found that the water was rushing into the English vessel, and that she was rapidly sinking.

The Spanish passed on in the confusion, but the king ordered his ship to be instantly laid alongside another which was following her, and to be firmly lashed to her.

Then with his knights he sprang on board the Spaniard, and after a short but desperate fight cut down or drove the crew overboard.

The royal standard was hoisted on the prize, the sinking English vessel was cast adrift, and the king sailed on to attack another adversary.
The battle now raged on all sides.