Linois anchored Formidable, Indomptable, and Desaix close enough to shore to prevent the British from repeating the inside-line maneuver used at the Nile. More than a day of preparation strengthened a position already supported by Spanish gunboats and coastal defenses. Saumarez intended Samuel Hood's HMS Venerable to lead because Hood knew those waters, but Venerable was becalmed as the squadron entered. HMS Pompée and Audacious reached the bay around 07:50, while much of the British force did not join the action until roughly 09:15. Linois used anchors and lines to warp his ships farther into shoal water, denying the British room to pass inshore. He had learned from earlier French defeats and used geography, preparation, and shore support to dictate the battle's terms.
Chapter · 31:50-37:43
Linois made Algeciras Bay a defensive trap
Wind, shoal water, gunboats, and shore batteries let a smaller French squadron receive Saumarez's attack from a carefully prepared anchorage.