Similar fleet strength concealed unequal experience

The British fleet had twenty-five ships of the line against twenty-six French ships. Both sides had three first rates, but Britain's four second rates added heavy guns beyond its 80-gun and 74-gun third rates. The French numerical advantage therefore did not give them a corresponding advantage in heavy ships. Howe could also draw on admirals and captains with long records of independent command. Revolutionary disruption had left some French ships with recently promoted officers and uncertainty over parts of the command roster.