The neat ship Grosvenor is fully laden and crewed, and slowly traversing the English Channel, ready to leave on a trading journey to the other side of the Atlantic. Edward Royle has joined as second mate, new to the ship. As they make headway there are rumblings among the crew. Their provisions are rotten: damp, weevilled biscuit and stinking meat. The Grosvenor's firebrand captain and his tough American first mate won't stand for any interruption...