A scene on the deck of the 'Birkdale', looking forward from the poop deck. This complex composition shows the barque in full sail on a calm sea. The surface of the deck is covered with sails that are being repaired. Positioned in front of an open door on the left is a man wearing a flat cap, green top, white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, working on a sail. On the only visible open deck two figures lean against a rail, both with their backs to the viewer with a third figure shown emerging from below deck. The standing figure to the left is darkly dressed and in contrast the figure to the right wears light clothes and a broad-brimmed hat. The scene is full of closely observed detailing and is a highly stylised interpretation. Vertical emphasis of the masts and the horizontal spars create a geometrical discipline. The composition is enclosed for most of the painting except on the far right where blue of the sea and sky is visible. Everett has used form and strong contrasts of light and dark by shape and colour. The complex system of ropes and sails sets up a tension of rope diagonally from deck to sail. The sea and sky are bright blue and simply depicted with a large bank of cloud on the far right.