 However, as the high winds and rough sea were disadvantageous for fighting, they expected to do so only after the weather improved.Albemarle also sent a message to Rupert by the "Kent" to rejoin him if possible.The weather conditions in the morning had caused the Dutch fleet to anchor, and around noon Albemarle, realising that the Dutch fleet at was anchor and unprepared, decided to exploit the opportunity to attack the Dutch rear squadron under Lieutenant-Admiral Cornelis Tromp despite the adverse weather, in the hope it could be crippled before the Dutch centre and van could intervene.