Napoleon's Allied commanders were an uneven group: the strongest admiral was Spanish, his Dutch commander was fairly good, and the French flag officers carried serious disadvantages. Blockade kept French crews and admirals from regularly practising sailing, leadership, and fleet manoeuvre. Royal Navy officers accumulated sea time and passed experience through a continuing service culture. Patronage still mattered in the Royal Navy, but prospective lieutenants had to pass an examination and weak officers could lose the chance of another command. Regular operations therefore gave the British a large advantage in experience and institutional memory before battle began.
Chapter · 1:18-4:16
How blockade weakened French command
The opening comparison explains why blockade left French crews and admirals short of sailing, command, and leadership practice before Trafalgar.