We are in the 19th century, sea transport is becoming increasingly important. Both companies and naval units need increasingly newer ships. Try to put yourself in the role of their manufacturers. Hire employees, buy accessories and gain favor with the review committees. Don't forget to rent a dock and weigh anchor.

Players take turns, starting with a random player and then moving around the table. In turn, they choose one of the available actions from the Action Track. The action gives the player something they need to build their ships. On the player's next turn, they advance that Action card over all the others and choose a different action.

On their turn, when a player completes a ship (ships consist of small cards depicting bows, stern and (preferably multiple) center sections, with various options to add equipment or crew), it is launched for a sea trial in the channel, where they can score points for speed, crew, equipment or safety.

As players take their turns, the row of Action Cards slides around the Action Track. When the leading Action card returns to the Starting position, the countdown marker moves down one space and play continues.

The game ends when the countdown marker reaches the end position. (It can also end early if the players run out of Ship Cards.) Bonus points are scored for Government Contracts, and the player with the most points wins.

The game takes approximately 30 minutes per player.