Brokenhearted Sapphire Stone flees New York for the comfort and care of her Aunt Ida in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Coinciding with her arrival is New Bedford's annual sailing regatta. When one of the tall ships pulls in, Sapphire spies the captain of the Aussie Lady, Brendan Richmond. When Brendan offers Sapphire the chance for a day sail on the Lady, she readily agrees. What starts out as a few hours sail turns into the journey of a lifetime.