This is probably a type of vessel from the coast of Normandy known as a clinquar. It is shown with a list (rather awkwardly in Robinson’s opinion) to make the deck fittings visible, although the rigging has not been drawn. There is a drawing of a similar vessel in the collection (see PAH1796). A useful comparison can also be made with a similarly conceived study of a French fishing boat: PAE5241.

The drawing is inscribed in ink: ‘W.V.V.J’.