Kempenfelt's smaller squadron faces Guichen's escort

Kempenfelt brought twelve ships of the line against a French escort of nineteen ships of the line protecting about 110 transports. The Comte de Guichen was a capable opponent: the first Battle of Ushant had been indecisive, and he had also fought George Rodney to another indecisive result at Martinique. Kempenfelt's advantages were HMS Victory as a strong flagship and a signal system his captains understood. Speed of command had to create the British opportunity because superior firepower could not.