Twilight visibility in the 1696 Dogger Bank action

How close did the approaching ships get before the French detected them, and was an opportunity lost?

Late-June twilight kept the area relatively bright, so the French probably saw them at a significant distance around 21:30 rather than being surprised at close range.

Although the encounter occurred late in the evening, the Dogger Bank area remains light at that season and latitude. Late-June conditions can still amount to twilight around 22:00. The sighting came at roughly 21:30 and at a meaningful distance. The seasonal light weakens the case that the French carelessly missed an opportunity for a close surprise approach.