John Rossendale is a sea-gypsy, wandering the oceans in the 38-foot cutter, 'Sunflower' He is also the 28th Earl of Stowey, but titles don't mean much at sea Four years ago he turned his back on England, swearing never to go home again Now, out of sense of duty, he returns to British waters At his mother's funeral, he finds his family hostile, his boat under violent attack and his life in danger