The diary provides an insight into the dynamics between passengers and crew, and how they did (and did not) get on together on a long and very wet voyage to Australia. Written by a passenger, rather than an experienced sailor, the journal offers an informal account or ‘crash course’ for the beginner in life at sea in the last days of saili and illustrates ‘finding one’s sea legs’. There are hurricanes, numerous mishaps and humorous episodes including the crew petitioning the captain to turn around and go home again, as well as the birth of a baby girl.