Firstly , the English had an upper hand in any dog fights or skirmishes . This is due to the fact that , although the Spanish fleets overwhelmed the opposition in numbers ( 130 war ships to a total of around 60 ) , the English ships were smaller , faster and much easier to control .This meant they could fire against the opposition , using fast , concise cannons with all the same size cannon ball , and manoeuvre themselves out of sight , before the Spanish could retaliate . Also , it was stated , that the Spanish did not have the correct cannon balls to fit their cannons , causing them to cease fire .
Secondly , the English had cunning , adaptable tactics ,that could be used at anytime in battle , such as the `Hell Burner’ , which consisted of setting one of their own , worthless , ships alight and setting its course among the Spanish borders . This strategy was used to force the opposition to retreat under the threat of fire to their own ships .
Thirdly , The Spanish did not believe that Elizabeth could conjure a strong enough fleet , under the time given , to match their own . Therefore , they came unprepared and ill equipped , for the fight England upheld . Their big , slow ways of damage were little match for the fast , agile cannons and weaponry England had equipped .
Furthermore , The Spanish expected to have the advantage in battle as they gave the English little time to prepare . They underestimated the army , the speed of the English ships , and the degree of bravery and loyalty of the English sailors towards their queen and country .
Fourthly , the surroundings and natural features, at the time, were very much in favour of England . The wind , during contact with the Spaniards , proved a very high factor to the victory of the English , as it forced the opposing ships onto the rocky shores , rendering them either sunken or blown apart .
My final point is that England was under the firm reign of Queen Elizabeth during the attack . Elizabeth was an extremely powerful and inspirational ruler , and on the 8th of August , at hills of Tilbury , she produced the first recorded speech on document , from a ruler ,to their followers . During the speech , she stated ‘I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman ; but I have the heart and stomach of a king , and of a loyal king too….’ ,
The speech was very powerful and inspired the sailors to believe that they could reign victorious , despite the overwhelming odds .
In conclusion, and in consideration of the above , the single most significant factor contributing to the defeat of the Spanish Armada , was their far less sophisticated fleet of ships , which were by far inferior to the English . They were larger , heavier , difficult to manoeuvre and unable to respond , with any speed , to the strategic tactics employed by the English fleet .