The harbour of Chareauville sur Mer is of major importance to the town’s economy. It is not only the fishing that is of overriding importance, but also the commercial cargo trade. Chareauville's harbour is used by smaller cargo ships, in particular now that the horizon is more often clouded by the plumes of smoke rising from steamships and less  by the proud masts of the Dutch and English seafarers. And Lucien Chantiers is aware of this. His "Chantiers Navals" repairs shipyard is increasingly dealing with mechanical problems and less with leakages or broken masts. Lucien has to keep abreast by studying and reading professional journals. Following the invention of the engine by the German, R. Diesel, more and more ships run by engines are entering the harbour and…the turbine is coming. This is all set to oust the expansion machines!

But his two sons Daniel and Philippe, who are now approaching twenty and will soon be taking over the business, will have to cope with this. It is time Lucien and his wife Sophie went sailing again. Perhaps he will buy a small sailing boat for short voyages along the coast, one like that belonging to the Mayor, Victor Domont that would be good. Perhaps he could do it together with George and Sabrina Honfleur, who run the "Cerele Nautic Honfleur" shipping shop together and who are also getting older. They should quite literally be able to go far with their gear and his knowledge of shipping.

On top of this Daniel is head over heels in love with Maxime Honfleur and she with him, so they are almost family already. Everyone is expecting the two to announce their engagement this coming spring. Philippe, however, is nowhere near ready to settle down. He loves to go by horse to a nearby town to paint the town red with Gerard Potoise, of the artist’s shop “Peintre Artistique". But at Christmas Gerard is too busy decorating the church. Time for good behaviour.