1975. After years struggling to cope with a childless marriage and the loneliness of being left behind while her seafaring husband Max is away, Sarah finally decides to go with him on his next voyage. But she is not prepared for the change in him once in command of his ship, and often feels resentful that he has so little time for her. Over the months she and Geoffrey, the chief officer, are drawn together for comfort, and perhaps more - but is that what Sarah really wants?