In the path of a convoy of India merchantmen bound for a British port, lurks the French raider Piémontaise with 500 fighting-fit men on board. Guarding the convoy is the elderly frigate San Fiorenzo under the young, inexperienced Captain Hardinge - out gunned, out-manned, her crew weakened by malaria.
But in the thrust and parry of their epic sea battle, it is the young Britisher who dares all to win...