The Athenians, under the command of Phormio, one of their most brilliant generals, awaited the arrival of the Spartans near Nafpaktos, unwilling to leave the city undefended. As soon as the Spartan fleet appeared, Phormio attacked. The Spartan triremes formed a circle with their prows facing outwards, while the Athenian ships encircled them, gradually tightening the circle. It was a dangerous tactic because the circle left the Athenian flanks vulnerable to ramming. But Phormio was expecting the wind to pick up and cause the inexperienced Spartan crews to foul their oars. When this happened, the Athenians attacked and captured 12 Spartan vessels.