What was a disadvantage for the Spanish during the blockade?

The advantage and disadvantage of having a naval blockade revolve significantly around the effectiveness of naval strategies, ship technology, and crew training. In the context of the Spanish during the blockade, poor sailing skills indeed posed a significant disadvantage.

The ability to maneuver, adjust to conditions, and effectively engage in naval tactics requires skilled sailors and commanders. If the crew lacks experience or training in sailing, this can result in slower responses to enemy movements, difficulty in navigating harsh weather or treacherous waters, and overall inefficiency in carrying out missions intended during a blockade.

This limitation in sailing skills would hinder the Spanish fleet’s ability to effectively maintain their position or react strategically to encounters with opposing naval forces, ultimately impacting the blockade's effectiveness. Conversely, if a naval force cannot maneuver effectively, it risks losing its strategic advantage, which is crucial during blockades aimed at restricting supplies or troop movements of an opponent.

While factors such as resources, ship technology, and terrain knowledge are important, the primary drawback during a blockade for the Spanish would revolve around their sailing proficiency, which directly affects operational capabilities during such tactical scenarios.