Rome attacks into the wind

Roman scouts detected the Carthaginian fleet while it waited for a favourable wind. Catulus abandoned the blockade, embarked soldiers from the besieging army and concentrated his ships. Removing masts, sails and unnecessary equipment improved their handling in the rough conditions. About nine months of operations and training made an attack into a strong westerly wind feasible. Falto commanded during the action because Catulus was injured. The Romans formed a line, while the Carthaginians lowered sail and prepared to fight with cargo still aboard and less experienced crews. Despite their heavier construction, the stripped Roman ships were faster and more manoeuvrable in battle. Abandoning the corvus also appears to have helped by concentrating Roman attention on ramming and ship handling.