A stern port quarter view of an unnamed Mounts Bay pilot gig running before a light wind out of Penzance harbour, with the mainsail's tack hooked to the starboard bow and the clew poled out to port. Aboard are a pilot, helmsman and the crew member holding the pole to the mainsail. Near the horizon beyond the harbour mouth are St Michael's Mount to the left, a trading ketch with sails stowed, and an unidentified steam coaster.