Toulon shows the force mix required to watch a major naval base closely. An ordinary inshore squadron might use fifth rates and unrated vessels that could work near the coast, but a dangerous enemy fleet justified four 74-gun third rates. Those larger, more valuable ships faced greater navigational and weather risk in shallow coastal waters, where reefs and rocks restricted their room to evade a storm. Relief convoys needed compatible third rates so worn ships could leave without weakening the station. Gibraltar supplied the longest-established British stores and facilities even when a temporary forward base operated closer to Toulon.
Notable Point · 29:30-33:45
Toulon's inshore squadron and third-rate risk
Toulon's blockade shows why the Royal Navy sometimes risked third-rate ships close inshore when the enemy fleet was dangerous enough.