 Rodney was ill , and spent the entire action in his bunk . His flag captain , Walter Young , urged Rodney to give orders to engage when the Spanish fleet was first spotted , but Rodney only gave orders to form a line abreast . Lángara started to establish a line of battle , but when he realised the size of Rodney 's fleet , he gave orders to make all sail for Cadiz . Around 2 : 00 pm , when Rodney felt certain that the ships seen were not the vanguard of a larger fleet , he issued commands for a general chase . Rodney 's instructions to his fleet were to chase at their best speed , and engage the Spanish ships from the rear as they came upon them . They were also instructed to sail to the lee side to interfere with Spanish attempts to gain the safety of a harbour , a tactic that also prevented the Spanish ships from opening their lowest gun ports . Because of their copper @-@ sheathed hulls ( which reduced marine growths and drag ) , the ships of the Royal Navy were faster and soon gained on the Spanish . 
