During the Revolutionary period, Rodney Yorke, son of Sir Henry Yorke, was declared an enemy of the King of England. He decides to gather a crew and sail the seven seas on his ship the "Smiling Lass" to escape the red coats who are hunting him down. He manages to get a first mate and convinces Blind Meg, a local tavern owner, to sign men up for his crew. While in the tavern he catches the eye of a young serving wench who disguises herself as a man to join Rodney's crew. However, British troops over take their ship. Rodney grabs the only weapon the crew has handy, a cutlass, and takes the ship back from the red coats. He earns the nickname Captain Cutlass for his brave actions.