[Old Teufel Hunden]

"I'm reminded of TR's Great White Fleet."

Minus the mass. Those late 19th century coal fired ships with masses always make me laugh. It's like tits on a bull. Even if they did have all of their boilers go out, I wonder exactly how many sailors on those ships would have been experienced enough to get it underway with sails? My guess is, close to zero.

[JimRed]

I wonder exactly how many sailors on those ships would have been experienced enough to get it underway with sails? My guess is, close to zero.

They likely had training in that skill, if not experience enough to be proficient.

[T-Bird45]

“Masses” -— WTF??? The word you’re needing is “mast” or “masts” and a closer look will reveal the signal flags flying for communication among the ships of the fleet, especially in the days before widespread use of radio/wireless. In addition, at the top of the mast, there was usually a spotter location for adjusting the fire of the gun batteries.