Single again and after so many years sailor Allen Reed readies his wooden sailboat Sturdy for the summer season on Lake Ontario. With expectations of old friends and new acquaintances to brighten his wistful mood he sets sail on a rather blustery day for Port Hope, Canada. However, the trip is dangerous and he is nearly overwhelmed by the sea conditions. The next few weeks of the summer will become both a personal awakening for him and the most frightening and memorable challenge to date in his life. Having just moved into his forties which is a sort of turning point in life for most of us, he reflects on his early introduction to seamanship and the people who influenced his knowledge and attitudes in those formative years. In spite of his personal struggles the lake will keep him busy with little time for regrets. As yet unknown to Allen, an international situation is unfolding on the Canadian north-shore of Lake Ontario, and he is sailing on a collision course toward those tragic events as chosen by the Fates.