The USS Pendleweather, named for Christopher Pendleweather, revolutionary war hero and grain farmer, was on its last legs. The storm had nearly battered her to pieces. The shipment of grain and oats had to make it to the Nantucket Harbor! Families there and struggling businesses were depending on it. Captain Charles Runch fought against the wind and waves alongside his hardy crew, but going on 2 days with no sleep had them weakened. He had to make it home. Brenda... Mrs. Runch was waiting on him. Each of the crew had family, people depending on them.
This may be the last voyage of the Pendleweather. But they'd make it to that harbor. If they had to man the pumps all the way. Not one man would be lost, or grain of cereal sodden!