1805 : Sea of Glory

1805: Sea of Glory examines the naval war on an operational level during that pivotal year. Although Trafalgar shines through history as the beacon of victory, it is the successful blockade of enemy ports that kept French boots from stepping onto British soil. But 1805: Sea of Glory is more than just a game about blockade duty. It is a game of breakout and pursuit, deception and false leads, husbanding meager resources, striking a blow where your enemy least suspects, and bringing about the decisive battle that defines victory or defeat.

1805: Sea of Glory focuses on the operational actions of the three great navies. The Allied player (France & Spain) must constantly try to break out of numerous European ports and form a combined fleet. The British player must continuously worry about his ships on station, as wind and weather allow the enemy an opening to slip anchor and set sail. For when Napoleon’s fleets take flight, the British are hard pressed to cover all the potential targets and bring the enemy to bear. The British player will find that he never has enough frigates to watch all avenues of escape, and that a clever French player can keep him guessing and ultimately win this game of cat and mouse.

The great naval commanders of the age are present in the game as well. Rosily-Mesros, Villeneuve, Ganteaume, Missiessy, and Gravina for the Allied fleets. Cornwallis, Nelson, Calder, Collingwood, and Strachan for the British. Each admiral is rated for his ability to escape or pursue, as well as, his tactical acumen in combat. Special abilities are also included: from Cornwallis’ skill as an administrator, to Villeneuve’s fatalistic bent, to Gravina’s charisma, to Nelson’s visionary brilliance brought to life as the “Nelson Touch”.

The 22” x 34” map covers the North Atlantic from the Channel Coast to Africa, and the Mediterranean from the Straights of Gibraltar to Egyptian shores. An insert map covers the West Indies. Each hex represents 50 nautical miles. An Atlantic transit track handles fleets and squadrons sailing from Europe to the Caribbean and back. The major ports of the three belligerents are shown; each rated for harbor facilities and their effect on a fleet’s ability to sortie.

Although the game ends immediately in a French victory if the Allied fleet ever controls the English Channel, there is also a set of variable victory conditions. The British Admiralty must watch out for French invasions of Egypt, Malta, Naples, Ireland, or West Indies islands. The British player will quickly learn that he never has enough ships to cover every potential threat.

A series of random events rounds out the simulation. Napoleon’s meddling, British manpower shortages, West Indies fever, Spanish drafts, favorable winds, and Royalist spies are among some of the events that will hinder or help players achieve victory.
For those looking for a quicker game, 1805: Sea of Glory will also have a dedicated 'Trafalgar' scenario. This scenario will concentrate on Villeneuve's flight to the West Indies and subsequent return to European waters; which eventually led to Calder's Action and Trafalgar. It will be roughly half the length of the full game, and use half of the counters. The Trafalgar scenario will be a great way to teach the game to new players."

Components:

• Two sheets of 5/8" double sided counters (352 counters)
  
• One Rulebook (with Notes and examples of play)
  
• Two 11"x17" Fleet Holding Mats (black & white)
  
• Two 8.5"x11" reference cards (double sided)
  
• One 22"x34" Map
  
• 44 blocks in two colors (red for British, blue for the allied navies of France and Spain)
  
• One sheet of stickers for the blocks
  
• 5 six sided dice