The adverse southeasterly winds frustrated both fleets, and it was not until 03:30 on 22 June that lookouts on Bridport's scouting frigates HMS "Nymphe" and HMS "Astrea" finally discovered the French in the distance to the southeast, the British approximately from the French coast. On seeing the larger British fleet, to which Warren's detached ships had still not joined, Villaret ordered his fleet to turn back towards the land and Bridport followed, seeing that the French admiral did not intend to offer battle. To maximise his chances of catching the French, Bridport specifically ordered his "best-sailing" ships HMS "Sans Pareil", HMS "Orion", HMS "Colossus", HMS "Irresistible", HMS "Valiant" and HMS "Russell", to break from the formation and lead the pursuit at 06:30. Bridport followed in his 100-gun first rate flagship HMS "Royal George", accompanied by the remainder of the fleet, which included another 100-gun ship HMS "Queen Charlotte" and seven 98-gun second rate ships.