Chapters 8 and 9 Summary

Worcester continues to perform blockade duty. The ship takes a constant pounding in harsh weather sailing and the crew becomes very worn by constant attention to the sails necessitated by sailing in a precise line of battle where every ship has unique sailing characteristics. The boredom and tedium continue and are telling on the crew's morale which continues to sink. Then a major storm system develops and when the blockading squadron is blown off station the French fleet attempts a breakout. The British fleet immediately gives chase and a prolonged nautical evolution takes place. The French fleet is capably handled and eludes engagement with the British fleet though after several hours of hard sailing in heavy weather the British fleet remains in sight. Finally the French admiral decides discretion to be the better part of valor and the French fleet turns around and heads back...