A group of ships belonging to the East India Company are shown in fair weather with Table Mountain, Cape Town, in the background on the right. The basis for the identification of the ships derives from the painting's received title and it is currently unclear. The one in the centre is presumed to be the 'Scaleby Castle' and that on the right the 'Charles Grant'. The 'two-decker' may in fact be a Royal Naval vessel, as it appears, with the 'Minerva' beyond.