I recently watched the film again (okay I confess I watch it all the time) and something in the early part of the film has a meaning that I don't understand. Shortly after the start, the HMS Surprise beats to quarters, preparing the ship for possible battle. During these preparations, before the enemy ship revealed itself, the crew launches their boats in a line to drag behind the ship.
What was the point of that? Was there some tactical purpose in it? Or were they simply clearing the main deck and making more room in case of actual combat?
Just to get them out of the way. If you ever get the chance to see a ship from that era such as the U.S.S. Constitution or H.M.S. Victory, it is amazing how small they really are, and just how many people lived on them for the size. In the books, the H.M.S Surprise was often described as small and outdated, even for that era. So space would be at even more of a premium.