The British aimed high to damage French masts and slow the escape. French gunners targeted British sail power for the opposite reason, hoping to break contact. The French squadron reached the protection of Toulon's shore batteries before the heavier British force could close decisively. Casualties and material damage remained limited, leaving the action tactically inconclusive even though it influenced later French behavior.
Notable Point · 43:46-45:25
Rigging fire and the escape under Toulon's batteries
Both fleets fired high to damage masts and rigging until the French reached shore-battery protection, leaving light casualties but important tactical lessons.