What is the term given to the main naval battle tactic in the Age of Sail, whereby rows of cannon were discharged simultaneously at close range?

The term "broadside" refers to the naval battle tactic used during the Age of Sail, where a ship would present its side (broadside) to an enemy ship and fire all the cannons on that side simultaneously. This tactic was particularly effective because it maximized the number of cannonballs that could be delivered to the enemy in one concentrated attack, increasing the likelihood of damaging or sinking an opposing ship. The broadside was a hallmark of naval warfare during this era, utilizing the ship's design and armament to its fullest potential. Ships were often built with multiple gun decks to facilitate this type of engagement, emphasizing the tactical advantage of firing from the side.

Other terms listed, while related to naval tactics, do not specifically describe this simultaneous firing method as precisely as "broadside." For instance, "salvo" refers to the discharge of multiple weapons at once, but it doesn’t necessarily denote the side of the ship being used or the specific tactical deployment inherently tied to sailing vessels. "Flanking maneuver" describes a strategic movement to attack an enemy's side or rear, which is different from the concentrated cannon fire of a broadside. Similarly, "crossing the T" refers to a different tactical formation where a