Duncan initially contemplated taking on two Dutch flagships and even leading a boarding party, but Venerable lacked the weight to fight both indefinitely. He raked Staten-Generaal and concentrated on de Winter's Vrijheid while Ardent, British frigates, and later reinforcements fought to support the admiral. A boarding party from William Bligh's HMS Director found de Winter helping the carpenter repair Vrijheid before escorting him to Venerable. When de Winter offered his sword, Duncan instead took the brave opponent's hand. Britain captured nine Dutch ships of the line and two frigates, breaking Dutch fleet power at a heavy human cost.
Chapter · 1:24:58-1:33:31
Venerable's duel and de Winter's surrender
Duncan isolated the Dutch flagships, fought at close range, and accepted de Winter's surrender after a costly British victory.