When Turner exhibited the painting, its title was part of an elaborate joke between himself and some friends. The word 'painter' being used either for the artist or for the guide rope that the sailor is throwing to secure the boat whilst passengers go aboard. The subtitle refers to the port of Calais on the horizon. A maritime scene depicted on a windy day and choppy seas. In the centre foreground of the composition are two boats: the smaller and nearer of the boats carries a group of five figures and a large travelling chest, and includes the figure of a woman sheltering a baby, a male figure lowering the sail, and the helmsman with a red cap standing up whilst holding the rudder, hailing the boat that they are approaching; the second and larger boat bears a pennant inscribed 'PAS DE CALAIS' and its deck is crowded with 16 figures of sailors and passengers – one of the sailors on the far left prepares to throw the 'painter' rope over to the small boat.