This relatively simple compositional sketch achieves greater dynamism from the crossing paths of the three kaags (small Dutch sailing vessels) as they tack to and fro across the page on a choppy sea. Meanwhile, the well-judged addition of grey wash brings an impression of depth to the sea, sails and sky. This may have been made, or was subsequently used, as an instructional example in Van de Velde’s studio: see PAE5347 for what is probably a contemporary copy of the drawing.