The capture in the novel of the Spanish "Cacafuego" by the vastly inferior "Sophie" is based on the real-life capture on 6 May 1801 of the Spanish frigate "El Gamo" by the British brig-sloop HMS "Speedy". One of the most spectacular single-ship victories in British Naval history, the "El Gamo" incident captured the public imagination and founded the reputation of the "Speedy's" commander, Thomas Cochrane. Like Aubrey in the book, however, Cochrane did not receive from the Admiralty the promotion and prize money he might have expected from so spectacular a victory.