"There remained important differences, however, between British and French warships. British warships continued to be somewhat smaller in tonnage and shorter, but more heavily timbered and fastened. Their rig and line performed best in going to windward, and in heavy weather. They were built to stand the strain of prolonged sea-time at all seasons, they were stored for long cruises, and they were built to fight. ......
French ships of all classes were lightly built of inferior timber, fastened with nails instead of trenails, but their very long hulls were highly stressed in a seaway. In fine weather these "battle-cruisers" with their long hulls and taunt rigs were fast off the wind, but their performance fell off rapidly when close hauled, or when wind and sea rose. ...... In close action French ships with their light scantlings were a death trap."
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