Battle of the Saintes

From 9 to 12 April 1782, off Dominica, Rodney broke de Grasse's French line in the battle of 12 April, capturing the Ville de Paris and four ships, at the cost of 2,000 French dead or wounded and 5,000 prisoners.

On 7 April, de Grasse left Martinique with 35 ships and a convoy of 150 transports to join the Spanish squadron; Rodney and Hood pursued him thanks to the superior maneuverability of British copper-hulled ships.

On 12 April, a southeast wind shift disorganized the French line; Rodney and Hood broke through the formation at the Ville de Paris, exploiting short-range carronades, while the line break caused the dispersion and capture of de Grasse's squadron.

Defeat prevented de Grasse's planned invasion of Jamaica; the French fleet abandoned the enterprise despite 40 ships still available, and the Ville de Paris sank while being towed to England.