A profusion of naval sailing, steam and rowing vessels are shown at sea, some flying the French tricolour, others the British ensign. Many of the larger sailing vessels have their upper courses raised but lower ones loosely furled. The rowing boats, navigating between the larger ships, appear to be heavily loaded. Many ships are visible in the far distance.
Some of the ships are named below the image. From left to right: Caesar, Duke of Wellington, Holyrood, Monarch, Cumberland, Boscawen, Imperieuse. There is also a double coat-of-arms, British and French, below this key.