After the 29 May action, Villaret turned the French line to rescue disabled ships while Howe lacked enough undamaged vessels to stop him. British ships had taken severe rigging and hull damage, yet exhausted crews replaced spars, yards, and sails through the night in a heavy sea. Fog on 30 May broke up both formations and delayed another engagement, while missing support left Howe and Montagu unaware of one another's positions. By dawn on 1 June the weather had moderated and Howe had finally gained the windward position he needed. The passage makes repair work, visibility, and fleet concentration as important to the coming battle as the admiral's tactical signal.
Chapter · 3:29:59-3:34:49
Battle damage, fog, and the approach to 1 June
Both fleets repaired shattered sailing rigs at sea, maneuvered through fog, and fought for the weather gauge before the final action on 1 June 1794.