How did British ships gain an advantage over the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile?

At the Battle of the Nile, the British fleet gained a decisive advantage by aggressively maneuvering to exploit the positioning of the French fleet. Although the French ships under Admiral François-Paul Brueys d’Aigailliers were anchored in a strong defensive line within Abū Qīr Bay—flanked by a shore battery on Abū Qīr Island—Horatio Nelson ordered an immediate attack despite the late hour.1

The critical tactical advantage was achieved when several British ships of the line successfully maneuvered around the head of the French line. This allowed the British to position themselves inside and behind the French formation, effectively trapping them. This maneuver led to a fierce engagement that resulted in the destruction or capture of nearly the entire French fleet, including the flagship L’Orient, which exploded during the battle.1