1805: Trafalgar

In 1805, Spain and France formed an alliance against England. The Combined Fleet, moored in the Bay of Cadiz, while the English fleet, commanded by Admiral Nelson, lurked in the open sea.

Pierre-Charles de Villeneuve, the inept French admiral in command of the Combined Fleet, decided to meet the English troops to save his position and dignify his pathetic campaign. 

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