Goliath moved on to Conquérant while Zealous anchored against the already battered Guerrier. The French command conference had run so long that commanders were still aboard L'Orient when fighting began. They then had to return to their ships in boats under fire. Guerrier's captain ordered the crew of his barge to fire as he approached his own embattled ship. His absence had left the crew to face the opening attack without him.
Notable Point · 1:56:04-1:59:40
French captains are caught away from their commands
The French command conference continued into the opening action, forcing commanders to return to their ships by boat under fire.