Crome was the leading figure of the Norwich school. He had a number of loyal patrons in and around his native city, but he depended as much on teaching as on picture sales. He worked as a drawing master in nearby Yarmouth throughout his career, and painted its estuary, harbour and beaches several times.

The drama in this small finished painting is largely evoked through the contrast between the warm glow of the sunset on the left, and the boats almost in silhouette in the foreground.