At about 1pm the wind, which up to then had been south-westerly, if it blew at all, strengthened and shifted to the east. This gave the benefit of the weather gage to the allies, who immediately took advantage of it. Shovell saw a gap in the French line ahead of him, and steered towards it; his "Royal William" 100 (23rd in the Red) broke through to engage the French White from both sides. He was followed by the rest of his division, while "Kent" 70 (Red 22), and "St Albans" 50 (Red 21), who were ahead of him in the line, pulled round to follow the "William" through the breach.