Keppel's twenty-nine ships met a nearly equal French fleet west of Ushant after several days of maneuvering. The French retained the weather gauge for much of the approach while Keppel sought an engagement. On the morning of battle he ordered Palliser's rear division to chase, spreading its ships out before the fleets closed. Repeated wind changes then brought the opponents within gun range. Keppel held HMS Victory's broadside until she reached the 110-gun French flagship Bretagne, taking fire from six ships along the way. The decision is criticized for wasting opportunities to damage the enemy and exposing Victory to unanswered fire.
Chapter · 3:42:27-3:50:10
Ushant: changing winds and Victory's withheld broadside
At Ushant in 1778, shifting winds brought the fleets together, but Keppel held Victory's fire until he could engage the French flagship.