1805: Trafalgar

In 1805, Spain and France form an alliance against England. The Combined Fleet, a large fleet of the alliance, is bunkering in the Bay of Cadiz, while the English fleet, commanded by Admiral Nelson, lurks in the open sea.

Amiral de Villeneuve, the inept French admiral in command of the Combined Fleet, decides to meet the English to save his position and dignify his pathetic campaign. 

This was Villeneuve's last wrong decision. Spain lost not only the hegemony of the seas in that battle, but also illustrious sailors.