In the centre of this busy compositional study is a port bow view of a large Dutch ship at anchor, with men furling the sails on the fore and main yards and topsail yards. A number of small rowing boats surround the ship as several other ships and smaller vessels occupy the background. The drawing is of uncertain date, but is presumed by its subject to relate to the period of the fleet at sea in 1672.

The drawing is inscribed with a false signature: ‘W.V.V.’.