A dramatic maritime scene depicts a sailing vessel caught in a violent storm. The small boat tilts precariously amid towering waves, its mast and sail straining against dark, turbulent skies. Several figures huddle in the boat, their forms small against the overwhelming elements. Rays of light break through ominous storm clouds, creating stark contrasts between light and shadow across the churning seascape. The painting's moody color palette consists primarily of deep blues, grays, and browns, with touches of golden light. The composition emphasizes the boat's vulnerable position, dwarfed by the massive waves and threatening sky, perfectly capturing the "tempestuous" nature referenced in the title.