This coloured lithograph depicts a contest between two naval vessels, Phaeton and Arethusa, held in March 1851. Phaeton, on the left of the picture, in port stern quarter view, is under full sail, on a port tack. Arethusa, on the right, is attempting to tack across the stern of Phaeton. There is another vessel under full sail in the far distance which is labelled as Leander.