It allows of concentration and containing.

Each ship can use her full speed without fear of being isolated.

The fastest ships will break through the line first, and they are just those which from their speed in passing are liable to the least damage, while having passed through, they cause a diversion for the attack of their slower comrades.

Finally, if the enemy tries to make off and avoid action, the fleet is well collected for a general chase.

But as Nelson actually made the attack in his hurry to close, he threw away most of these advantages, and against an enemy of equal spirit each ship must have been crushed as she came into action.