The far ship, starboard broadside on, is the flagship of the Commander-in-Chief, indicated by the Union flag flying from the mainmast. The other two ships are, respectively, those of his vice-admiral and rear-admiral of the red squadron. In the mid-17th century the fleet had been organized into three squadrons, the red being the central or commander-in-chief's and hence the senior one, the white being the vanguard and the blue the rear. This arrangement ceased to have operational significance around 1700 but remained the basis of organizational seniority among squadrons and flag officers. (Thus, a vice-admiral of the red was senior to one of the white, and the latter to one of the blue, for example, but all were junior to an admiral of the blue). The ship on the left flies the red ensign and is firing a salute. The stern has some ornate carving, with female figures down the sides. Two men are depicted in a small boat in the foreground, the man on the left attending to nets in the water while the other remains seated and holds the oars.

Monamy, a self-taught artist, was influenced by van de Velde the Younger and may have worked in his studio. Signed and dated 'P.Monamy pinx 1728'.