The Battle of the Downs was a naval engagement that took place on October 21, 1639, during the Eighty Years' War between the Dutch Republic and Spain. This battle occurred off the coast of the Downs, near the English Channel, and was part of the larger conflict over control of trade routes and colonial territories. The Dutch fleet, commanded by Admiral Willem van der Zaan, aimed to disrupt Spanish shipping and assert their naval dominance. In this battle, the Dutch forces achieved a decisive victory against the Spanish fleet, which was led by Admiral Antonio de Oquendo. The outcome significantly weakened Spanish naval power and bolstered the reputation of the Dutch as a formidable maritime force. The victory at the Battle of the Downs marked a turning point in the naval aspect of the war, contributing to the eventual independence of the Dutch Republic.