The evil reputation of Captain Daniel Swift, coupled with the wretched conditions of naval life, mean that only the most desperate of men will join him on the frigate Welfare - at least of their own free will. To make up the numbers, he must resort...
Thomas Paine Kydd, a young wig-maker from Guildford, is seized by the press gang, to be a part of the crew of the 98-gun line-of-battle ship Royal William. The ship sails immediately and Kydd has to learn the harsh realities of shipboard life...