The 1778 Battle of Ushant was a confused action rather than a decisive victory for either side. Keppel directed the action from HMS Victory, Nelson's later flagship. Repeated wind shifts changed the fleets' relative positions, while Keppel held his flagship's fire for the French flagship even as several enemy ships passed. Palliser's rear division had not formed a proper line and was mauled piecemeal, with earlier orders and changing conditions both contributing to its disorder. French fire into British masts and rigging then left ships physically unable to reform as quickly as Keppel demanded. By the time individual signals brought the divisions together, darkness allowed the French fleet to withdraw.
Chapter · 1:43:15-1:51:40
Ushant 1778: formation problems and a missed decision
The Battle of Ushant shows how shifting wind, damaged rigging, and an unformed rear division could turn a fleet action indecisive.