This coloured lithograph gives a starboard broadside view of the clipper Mermaid. She is flying the Red Ensign from her stern gaff and White Star Line flags from her main and fore masts. Her lower courses of sails are furled. Although the upper two courses are filled, the foremast sails appear to be backed but the jib is not. A few figures are visible on the deck. Several small local sailing craft are shown on the left and right of the picture. The most detailed one, on the left, shows a small boat under full sail, on a port tack, with several male and female passengers and a sailor on the bow adjusting the sail.