In the line were five 64's, one 50, and an armed storeship.
An advanced line, of one fifty with two smaller vessels, was placed just inside the bar--two or three miles outside the Hook--to rake the enemy as he crossed, retiring as he approached; and four galleys, forming a second line, were also stationed for the same purpose, across the channel, abreast of the Hook.[25] The retreat of these was secure into the shoal water, where they could not be followed.

One 64 and some frigates were held as a reserve, inside the main line, to act as occasion might require.

The total available force was, six 64's, three 50's, and six frigates.

D'Estaing's fleet, in detail, consisted of one 90-gun ship, one 80, six 74's and one 50.

Great as was this discrepancy between the opponents, it was counterbalanced largely by Howe's skilful dispositions, which his enemy could not circumvent.