A look-out squadron, a line of frigates headed by Captain George Anson Byron on HMS "Andromache", reported all of de Grasse's movements at Fort Royal. This squadron included the speedy HMS "Agamemnon" and also HMS "Magnificent". On 3 April it was signalled that the repairs on the French fleet were complete. On 5 April it was reported that the French troops were boarding the ships. At 8am on Sunday 8 April it was reported that the French fleet were leaving Fort Royal. Rodney's fleet called all men to join their ships and ships began leaving Gros Islet Bay at 10.30am. The total French armada comprised 35 ship of the line, 10 frigates, and over 100 smaller ships. The smaller ships moved in advance of the men-of-war, heading for St Pierre. Just past 4pm HMS "Barfleur" (under Hood) at the head of the British fleet espied 5 sails ahead which she presumed to be part of the French fleet. These came into view of the Formidable around two hours later, just before sunset. They pursued the French through the night. At 2am on 9 April HMS "St Albans" dropped alongside Formidable, reporting that she, along with HMS "Valiant", had located the French fleet in the darkness. Rodney rested for the remainder of the night. The sun rose at 5.30am. The French fleet extended from 6 miles to 12 miles distant, navigating the waters between Dominica and Guadeloupe. The majority of the warships lay off Prince Rupert's Bay. Due to a dead calm from 3am until 7am neither fleet could move. The initial wind only reached the "Barfleur" and its eight support ships, causing it to detach ahead of the main fleet, which lay in the lee of Dominica. De Grasse saw the opportunity to cripple this advanced section and wheeled to begin the first attack. On 9 April 1782, the copper-sheathed British fleet caught up with the French, who were surprised by their speed. Admiral de Grasse ordered the French convoy to head into Guadeloupe for repair, forcing him to escort two fifty-gun ships ("Fier" and "Experiment"), and placing his fleet in line of battle in order to cover the retreat. Hood's section of the fleet, headed by HMS "Barfleur", braced for the first attack. HMS Alfred taunted the 18 French ships under de Vaudreuil which approached, as the first action, by exposing her broadside to the approaching French but without consequence.