Beachy Head was a victory without strategic decision

Tourville pursued the defeated Allied fleet after Beachy Head while preserving his line of battle, which limited the chase to the speed of his slowest ships. Mahan argues that this was the moment to relax formation while retaining enough mutual support for the pursuers. He distinguishes an impressive victory from a decisive result and criticizes Tourville's reluctance to accept the responsibility of a general chase. The portrait credits Tourville with courage, practical seamanship and extensive tactical knowledge. Mahan nevertheless connects his caution after Beachy Head with his later obedience to the king's orders at La Hougue, treating both as failures to shoulder independent command responsibility.