Aquilon rakes Vanguard and wounds Nelson

Aquilon uses its anchor spring to rake Nelson's flagship and inflicts about one hundred casualties, including Nelson's head wound. The maneuver demonstrates the destructive potential of fire running the length of a ship. Nelson initially believes the wound fatal, but returns to the quarterdeck after the surgeon tells him to rest. Aquilon's turn also leaves its bow vulnerable to Minotaur, whose trained crew delivers fire much faster than the French can answer. With many French ships already doubled by two British opponents, the firing-rate advantage can produce roughly four incoming broadsides for every effective French reply.