Rodney arrived with 17 additional ships and brought the British force to 36 ships of the line. Every British ship had copper sheathing, while the French fleet had not received the same universal treatment. Cleaner hulls preserved speed and made confidence in catching De Grasse more than an admiral's boast. Rodney nevertheless paused at Saint Lucia for fresh water before sailing, accepting a day's delay to improve endurance. The moment shows that operational speed came from material preparation and supply decisions together.
Notable Point · 28:30-29:21
Coppered hulls and fresh water turn readiness into speed
Rodney combined a fully coppered 36-ship battle fleet with the logistical discipline to water it before pursuit.