Six two-masted naval brigs are depicted on different tacks. Central to the picture is the Mutine, starboard broadside on, with her lower courses reefed and upper sails spilling wind. Figures can be seen on the decks of the closest ships. To the left of the image, behind Mutine, the bows of the Daring can be seen. Espiegle, Osprey, Waterwich and Pantaloon are on the right of the picture. In the foreground, a small, gaff-rigged, single sail dinghy, on a starboard tack, is depicted in stern view.

This experimental squadron was assembled in September 1844 to undergo trials against an older design of brig. The trial was rather inconclusive as the vessels excelled in different conditions.