The storm in the Channel in late May 1652

This is based on my translation of the account in Dr. Elias' Vol.II of Schetsen:

The start of the journey was not successful. Already on the 23rd, the fleet, close under the coast of Flanders, was assaulted by a fierce north wind that scattered the ships while a gloomy drizzle took away the crews’ view. Between the poor visibility and the rough sea, the Admiral who commanded the “armada” thought that there was a serious danger of being driven onto the Flemish banks. After some of his ships had gone astray, Tromp decided on the 24th (of May) that between the rough seas and the mist, that they fleet needed to move to five miles off Dunkirk, with the whole fleet to anchor there. For four days, the dangerous weather kept him at this anchorage. Soon, by the 28th, the wind began to subside, although the seas remained turbulent, he decided to raise the anchors, taking a chance, and to collect the fleet, which was urgently needed, as some ships had drifted. He was therefore ready to pursue his mission, although some of the Directors’ ships captains complained that they had lost anchors and cables in the storm. This was foreseen, but he only had two anchors and two cables left. About that time, the wind increased again, and Tromp resolved to cross over to the English coast.