noon
Miquel de Oquendo , who commanded one of the six Spanish squadrons , distinguished himself by his attempts to close with the English , and by maintaining his position in the rear of the fleet engaged in constant conflict with them . He was a young nobleman of great promise , distinguished alike for his bravery and chivalrous disposition ; but he could do little while the wind remained in the west and the English held the weather gage . So far only the ships that had been anchored out under Ram Head had taken part in the fight , those lying higher up in the Sound being unable to make their way out . At noon the exertions of their crews , who had from the preceding evening worked incessantly , prevailed , and they were now seen coming out from behind the headland to take part in the struggle . Medina Sidonia signalled to his fleet to make sail up Channel , Martinez de Ricaldo covering the rear with the squadron of Biscay . He was vice admiral of the fleet , and considered to be the best seaman Spain possessed now that Santa Cruz was dead . The wind was now rising .