King Edward III

"Such was the scale of the victory that the English joked the fish were speaking French because of the number of bodies in the sea."

MM

The French held a 3 line position across the mouth of the Zwin Estuary, ships and galleys were tied together with cables, unable to manoeuvre, waiting for the English to attack. But Edward didn't advance immediately, he waited.  Then just before engaging, his ships veered away, feigning flight. Several French ships in the front line broke rank to give chase. With the advantage of tide and the blinding sun, Edward's ships turned and a murderous and bloody battle began.  The French fleet was virtually destroyed, they lost 190 ships and 16-18,000 men, including both admirals. It was one of the most crushing victories in naval history. 

MM

The battle marked the beginning of the Hundred Years' War

and is thought to be the sea-fight that started the long

victorious career of the British Navy