In the autumn of 1960, thirteen young men admitted as students in the Ocean Academy--a highly selective floating prep school--begin an adventure that will change their lives forever. They pursue a rigorous course of studies, while spending a year at sea as the crew of a square-rigged brigantine, the "Albatross." During the mythic voyage, the boys are pushed beyond adolescence as they explore the mysteries of the Caribbean and South Pacific. However, as the "Albatross" nears the end of her voyage she's stricken by a freak weather condition known as a white squall. Within minutes, the tall ship capsizes and sinks, taking the lives of four students and two staff members with her. Those who live are rescued after two days at sea, but are then forced to weigh the fate of the difficult, enigmatic, Christopher Sheldon, the skipper of their ship. Had Sheldon, through neglect and poor seamanship, cost six people their lives? Or had he, however harshly, provided the lessons that saved the rest?