 At this point the action began , with Pitot 's stern chasers opening fire upon Constellation . In an effort to cut the American frigate 's advantage in speed , La Vengeance changed course to the south @-@ east where the wind would give her an advantage . As he maneuvered his vessel , Pitot was able to unleash a broadside aimed at Constellation 's rigging . The American frigate waited to return fire until she 'd gained the weather gage . Now having the advantage of the wind , Truxton 's opening double @-@ shotted broadside slammed into the port side of La Vengeance 's hull . Sailing side by side , the two frigates continued to engage each other for two and a half hours while Truxton attempted unsuccessfully to move his ship into a raking fire position . As the French tended to aim for the rigging , at one point Constellation 's foresails were shot away and the frigate lost her maneuverability until they could be replaced . 
