How did Horatio Nelson capture two Spanish ships at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent?

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Horatio Nelson Lord Nelson, detail of an oil painting by J.F. Rigaud; in the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, Eng.

At the Battle of Cape St. Vincent on February 14, 1797, Horatio Nelson captured two Spanish ships through a bold, unauthorized maneuver. When it became clear that the British fleet under Admiral Jervis could not turn quickly enough to engage the Spanish squadrons, Nelson broke formation to intercept the head of the second Spanish division.1

By positioning himself to hold the two Spanish squadrons apart, Nelson engaged multiple enemy ships simultaneously. During this intense combat, he successfully boarded and captured one Spanish man-of-war. He then proceeded to board and capture a second Spanish ship directly from the deck of the first. This decisive action, which showcased the superior efficiency of British gunnery, earned Nelson a knighthood and promotion to rear admiral.1