On the left is a ship viewed from before the port beam. A light breeze is suggested subtly, but very precisely, by the gentle movement of the sails, flags and pendant. A rowing boat pulls away to port – presumably towards the viewer and the shore, as several other ships occupy the further reaches of the picture space. This compositional sketch is characteristic of the younger Van de Velde’s ‘calms’, although Robinson suggests that the drawing may include the additions of a later hand (for example, around the waterline of the principal ship).