How did the spanish armada protect itself?

Answer 1

The Spanish Armada used huge, extremely powerful Galleon ships that they built with their gold from their South American Colonies. In contrast, the British fleet was comprised of small Frigates that moved faster but could not take as much damage.

Answer 2

Armada protected itself from this sort of harassment by sailing in a tight crescent shaped formation. This kept English galleys at a safe distance, for any ship to approach the Armada would come under fire from 30 or 40 ships at once regardless of the direction it approached from.