The fleets met off the island of Guernsey, and a severe engagement took place, which lasted till night.

During the darkness a tremendous storm burst upon them and the combatants separated.

The English succeeded in making their way to Brittany and landed near Vannes.

The Spaniards captured four small ships which had been separated in the storm from their consorts, but did not succeed in regaining the coast of Brittany, being driven south by the storm as far as Spain.

The Earl of Northampton at once laid siege to Vannes, and Sir Walter Manny moved with every man that could be spared from Hennebon to assist him.
As it was certain that the French army would press forward with all speed to relieve the town, it was decided to lose no time in battering the walls, but to attempt to carry it at once by assault.