The way lay open for the Ariadne to bear down upon the French ship, engaged with the admiral's smaller ship, and help to end the struggle successfully for the British cause.
While still too far away for point-blank range, the Ariadne's guns began upon the French ships distinguishable by their shape and their colours.
Before the first shot was fired, however, Dyck made a tour of the decks and gave some word of cheer to the men, The Ariadne lost no time in getting into the thick of the fight.

The seamen were stripped to the waist, and black silk handkerchiefs were tightly bound round their heads and over their ears.
What the French thought of the coming of the Ariadne was shown by the reply they made presently to her firing.

The number of French ships in action was greater than the British by six, and the Ariadne arrived just when she could be of greatest service.

The boldness of her seamanship, and the favour of the wind, gave her an advantage which good fortune helped to justify.
As she drew in upon the action, she gave herself up to great danger; she was coming in upon the rear of the French ships, and was subject to fierce attack.

To the French she seemed like a fugitive warrior returning to his camp just when he was most needed, as was indeed the case.