The allies, deciding they have waited long enough, approach the Dutch fleet on June 2, 1673 (New Style; May 23 in the Julian calendar in use in England), Prince Rupert has a considerable superiority in ships (eighty-six against sixty-four), men (twenty-four thousand two hundred and ninety-five to fourteen thousand seven hundred and sixty-two) and cannon (four thousand eight hundred and twenty-six to three thousand one hundred and fifty-seven)—indeed the Dutch admirals have nicknamed their fleet the "Little Hope".

The Dutch fleet is smaller than usual because the Admiralty of Frisia has been unable to assist, that province and Groningen being under attack by Münster.

A sudden storm prevents a battle, however.