Just found this interesting bit of info in my Osprey book on the Nile.

"When Nelson's squadron rounded the shoals north east of Aboukir Island several hundred French seamen were ashore- indeed no less than 4 miles from the coast gathering fresh water, which meant that the already under strength French crews were depleted still further.

To compensate for the large body of sailors operating ashore, Brueys ordered some of the Frigates to dispatch their ablest gun crews to the ships of the line. They were distributed amongst the crews of L'Orient, Tonnant, and Franklin. His vessels astern of him now stood at about full strength whilst the rest of his ships stood about 200 men short of their complements. His decision to fight a static battle was probably sound, for his understrength crews could then concentrate on gunnery without having to concern themselves with seamanship."

Rob.