John Orde responded to Villeneuve's passage by dividing his squadron's tasks. His frigates remained at the Strait of Gibraltar to report the enemy's course to Nelson, while his ships of the line headed for Cornwallis and the Channel Fleet. If Villeneuve tried to join the Brest squadron, Orde's ships would already be helping to contain that concentration. Replenishing supplies and making repairs at sea let Orde head north without a stop at Gibraltar.
Notable Point · 19:06-20:03
Orde reinforces the Channel Fleet without a port call
Orde left frigates to report Villeneuve's course and took his ships of the line north, replenishing and repairing at sea to reinforce Cornwallis.