As an island nation, Britain's history and culture have been shaped by the sea. In this programme, comedian Ade Edmondson sets sail to explore the country's maritime past and the continued influence on people who still depend on the sea. Edmondson immerses himself in seafaring culture - from discovering the origin of the phrase shipshape to making rope with one of the last surviving rope makers - as he fulfils his lifelong dream of sailing around the British Isles and the world. On his voyage, the comedian pilots a tanker through the Bristol Channel, sings sea shanties in Liverpool Bay and participates in modern deep sea fishing among other activities.