A fleet of English men-of-war is shown with other shipping. The ship on the far left flies the Royal Standard of Queen Anne, after the Act of Union with Scotland in 1707. It is not clear if the painting relates to a specific event as there are no other indications present. The two ships in the centre of the painting show a large number of figures on their decks, who resemble dignitaries rather than sailors. They are shown looking over to the ship flying the Royal Standard. This reinforces the interpretation that there is a royal dignitary on board.