Two French ships collided on 11 April and fell behind the main fleet. Rodney tried to manoeuvre between the damaged ships and de Grasse's main body, forcing the French commander to turn back to protect them. Neither fleet opened fire during the confrontation. The resulting contest was psychological shadow boxing, with position and the threat of attack shaping each commander's choices before the main battle.
Notable Point · 2:52:06-2:53:15
French collisions draw de Grasse back without a shot
Rodney used two damaged French ships as leverage, manoeuvring to isolate them until de Grasse turned back without an exchange of fire.