The British order of battle was built mainly around 74-gun third rates rather than prestige first rates. Captains such as Thomas Foley, Samuel Hood, James Saumarez, and Thomas Troubridge brought experience and a willingness to close with the enemy. Only Nelson held flag rank, which reduced the chance of competing admirals disputing his tactical direction. St Vincent even sent Troubridge with the reinforcements rather than adding another admiral to the squadron.
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A homogeneous British battle line with experienced captains
Nelson's force lacked first rates but paired capable captains with a battle line built mainly around 74-gun third rates.