 Hood had been replaced in late 1794 by his deputy Vice-Admiral William Hotham, who based his ships in San Fiorenzo Bay on the northern coast of Corsica during the winter.There they had attempted partial refits and one ship, , had been badly damaged due to poor handling during a gale.In late February Hotham sailed for more extensive repairs at Leghorn in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, leaving "Berwick" behind.