A second-rate flagship chosen for command visibility

Second rates combined much of a first rate's strength and height with a shorter hull, which made them slower and less handy than many first or third rates. Prince of Wales offered 98 guns, but its broadside advantage over a 74 was modest in this context. Its tall masts gave Gambier a better view for directing a large operation. He also accepted commodores instead of adding rear admirals at the outset. A two-captain arrangement divided ship handling from flag administration and gave the command team more capacity to organize the fleet.