Napoleon's strategy treated the union of French and Spanish squadrons as the solution, although any one harbour might struggle to support the resulting force. A massed fleet at Brest might be sealed inside, repeating the strategic problem of a fleet that existed on paper but could not operate freely. Cornwallis could draw in Nelson, Collingwood, Calder, and other available squadrons as the threat grew. Concentration could therefore make the allied fleet easier for the Royal Navy to contain.
Notable Point · 7:13-9:03
Concentration could trap the allied fleet
Gathering allied squadrons at Brest risked concentrating them inside a blockaded port while the Royal Navy concentrated outside it.