The composition is built up from two groups of vessels. On the left they are centred around a port broadside view of a ship before the wind under mizzen and main and mizzen topsail; fore and main topgallants loosed on the cap. On the right other vessels appear in the distance behind a port bow view of a ship with her fore course and main topsail.

On the back, parts of one of the principal ships have been traced by another hand and other shipping added; this was probably done before the penwork was added. The scene shows a view of a Dutch fleet lying-by.