Quiberon Bay and the collapse of the invasion threat

A gale temporarily drove Hawke's main force away from Brest, and Conflans sailed when an easterly wind followed. Robert Duff's smaller force remained near Quiberon to watch the invasion transports. A victualling ship brought news of the sortie to Hawke after a watching warship failed to rendezvous with him. Conflans then faced a choice between fighting at sea and seeking safety among Quiberon Bay's shoals and reefs after his pursuit of Duff had scattered the French formation. Hawke accepted the navigational risk and ordered a general chase, overtaking the French rear as the van entered the bay. Capsizes, groundings, and the prolonged confinement of ships in the Vilaine helped defeat the invasion scheme.