Lady of the Sea was a beautiful tall-ship in the days of ' sails-only ' for power - no steam or diesel engine to power her away from trouble. Her Captain is under timestress from Shipowners to get her cargo to a far port. He MUST leave. He risks leaving by moonlight at slack tide. Although its a harbour he knows well, and knows where the dangerous rock ledges are outside the harbour mouth, he risks attempting it on a poor wind which he hopes will be blowing stronger further outside the harbour. Tragically, the 'only just draping' sails swell too slowly, and don't fill adequately with enough power to clear the rocks. Heavy waves beat her back and are stronger than the weak wind. The ships hull cracks open on an underwater rockledge. Many men drown - lost fathers,brothers, and sweethearts. The Lady of the Sea's ghostly calls are heard by the mourning townspeople which becomes a local (Cornish ?) legend .