In an innovative look at maritime history from the female perspective, Joan Druett introduces a remarkable array of characters and re-creates their adventures with a captivating immediacy and wit. There are ‘pirate queens’ armed with cutlasses and pistols who strike fear into the hearts of sailors. There are sea-loving women and women eager to be with the men they loved, who dress as men and join unsuspecting crews where they serve with honour and daring. The brave housekeepers and rescue workers are here too - including twenty year old Grace Darling, whose rescue of nine castaways in 1838 inspired a torrent of books, songs and poemss. Finally, ‘A Woman at the Helm’ shines a spotlight on the long line of ‘she captains’ who conquered dangerous seas and commanded rough crews, often displaying fortitude lacking in many of their male counterparts.