Joseph Blackwell, a lad without prospects, befriends a mysterious sea captain and secures a berth on his ship. The year is 1787, and two American ships laden with supplies set sail from Boston Harbor. Their venture: to round Cape Horn and sail to the Northwest coast of America, to trade with the Indians for sea otter pelts. Once their cargo is secured, they will sail to China via the Sandwich Islands and trade the valuable skins for tea, before returning to Boston via the Cape of Good Hope. During their stormy passage, the two ships lose contact with each other. As a result, the sloop Lady...

Joseph Blackwell, a lad without prospects, befriends a mysterious sea captain and secures a berth on his ship. The year is 1787, and two American ships laden with supplies set sail from Boston Harbor. Their venture: to round Cape Horn and sail to the Northwest coast of America, to trade with the Indians for sea otter pelts. Once their cargo is secured, they will sail to China via the Sandwich Islands and trade the valuable skins for tea, before returning to Boston via the Cape of Good Hope. During their stormy passage, the two ships lose contact with each other. As a result, the sloop Lady...