A small panel painting, forming one of a pair of cabinet pieces. These show contrasting scenes of a ship at sea, one in calm conditions and one in a storm. This image shows an English warship of the period of Charles I on the left, together with two other ships in the distance. The flag at the main may be a command flag, although the purpose of the flags is not clear from this painting. The ship is shown heading for the jagged rocks on the right, in squally weather. It is likely that the image of the ship is intended to be the same as that portrayed in the companion piece. The prow has been depicted, instead of the stern, and the sails are shown being hurriedly furled. Men in the rigging are attempting to stop the ship heading for the rocks. The depiction of the waves also contrasts with the companion piece, since they indicate a stormy sea. A shaft of light has been thrown across the sea in the foreground, but it is broken up by the waves. Highlights are also reflected on the foresail, flag at the main, a rock on the headland, and the edges of the clouds to the right. A flock of birds flies high in the centre of the painting to avoid the storm.

Neither James I nor Charles I were willing or able to invest in the building up of a stronger Navy. Charles was a great admirer of ships and collected many maritime paintings but was not prepared to put money into paying sailors or building ships. His struggles with Parliament, culminating in the Civil War, further weakened Britain's ability to combat the maritime challenges of other nations. In fact, the Navy became so weak that it could not even protect the Channel coast from raiding Barbary pirates. Overseas trade was vital for wealth and prosperity. Britain had two powerful rivals competing for the limited markets. One was an old enemy, Spain, but a more recent threat came from the Dutch. Their skills as shipbuilders, navigators and traders posed a serious challenge to England's economic security. Consequently, several naval wars were fought against the Dutch in the Stuart era. The painting is one of a contrasting pair. See also BHC0807.