The intended maneuver deprives the anchored French ships of the protection they expect from their landward side. It also concentrates multiple British broadsides against successive parts of the French line. Competent preparation would have closed the shoreward gap, secured internal openings, and readied the landward battery even if an attack seemed unlikely from that direction. The plan therefore depends on initiative by individual British captains and on French failure to take those precautions.
Notable Point · 47:17-52:33
Nelson plans to double the anchored French line
Nelson's captains understand a plan to break the line, pass between the French and shore, and attack each ship from both sides.