This is a portrait of an East Indiaman in the foreground, in port-quarter view. The ship in the distance to the left approaches in starboard-bow view, heeling on the port tack under fore and main-course. The wind blows strongly from the right and both vessels are shown under reduced sail. In the far distance on the right two more ships are shown at anchor in starboard-broadside view.

Most of the artist's extant paintings date from the last six years of his career and are principally marine subject-matter. Brooking's reputation as a marine artist was well established by 1755 and although his stylistic range shows the influences of Simon de Vlieger and Willem van de Velde the Younger, his appproach was uncompromisingly individualistic. His careful attention to detail evinces an informed knowledge of maritime practice and naval architecture.