he also summarised the advantages of fighting from either windward or leeward positions. the windward position allowed a fleet to control the battle, blew smoke from their guns onto the enemy fleet and allowed them to use fireships against the enemy. however it has the disadvantage that in heavy seas it may not be able to open its lower gun ports without risking flooding. the leeward position allowed ships to easily drop out of the line when damaged and allowed ships full use of their gun decks. see also naval tactics in the age of sail.