This is a port bow view of two dismasted naval vessels, the Britannia (the larger ship on the right of the image) and the Hindostan (on the left) These vessels were used as naval training ships and were linked to each other, bow to stern, by a covered gangway (although this cannot be seen in this image). They are moored along the hilly coast of Dartmouth. Both ships have permanent deck accommodation. The Britannia flies the British ensign from a flag pole on its stern. There is a small steamer on the far right and a sailing dinghy on the far left. In the foreground, a naval tender, rowed by several cadets, is approaching the portside of the Hindustan.
There were two vessels converted to training ships, named Britannia, and linked to the Hindostan at Dartmouth: Britannia (1820) from 1865 to 1869; and Britannia (1869) (which had previously been the Prince of Wales) from 1869 to 1909. Both Britannias were originally 1st rate, 120-gun naval sailing vessels.
This depiction is dated 1887 by the artist and, therefore, the Britannia shown is that of the renamed vessel of 1869.