Howe avoided fighting in the narrow Strait of Gibraltar, moved west, and reduced sail after forming a concentrated battle line. A general chase dispersed the opposing fleet, leaving many allied ships unable to engage while the British line remained mutually supporting. The result was tactically indecisive but strategically sufficient because Gibraltar's supply route stayed open; Jervis nevertheless drew lessons about the unwieldiness of very large, subdivided fleets. Copper sheathing gave the British useful mobility, but Howe judged that preserving the strategic result did not require pursuing another battle.
Notable Point · 33:21-39:57
Cape Spartel: concentration without a decisive battle
The Battle of Cape Spartel shows Howe preserving Gibraltar's supply route while using formation and controlled speed to deter a piecemeal Franco-Spanish attack.