The simulated battle has shifted from a contested engagement to an encirclement, with British ships on nearly every bearing and too little fog or smoke to break contact. One remaining gap offers the French commander a route of escape for every surviving ship. Continuing to circle inside the enemy formation invites destruction without changing the result. The commander has to recognize that the mission has failed and preserve what remains for future operations.
Notable Point · 1:45:25-1:48:19
A beaten force must use the remaining gap to withdraw
Once the French light forces in the campaign battle are surrounded and unable to hide in smoke, preserving ships and crews depends on recognizing defeat and escaping through the one open sector.