Before battle is joined, the enemy formation lies crosswind and almost sails into the wind. The developing approach begins to resemble a Glorious First of June chase. Because a second rate leads the line, that ship is expected to enter range before the rest of the fleet. The sequence shows how wind, formation order, and closing geometry determine which part of a sailing fleet becomes exposed first. The custom-game scenario uses the historical battle as a comparison rather than recreating it.
Notable Point · 8:12-12:02
Wind and formation before contact
The French line sails crosswind and nearly into the wind, while its leading second rate is likely to enter range before the rest of the formation.