This is almost certainly the four masted brigantine, Kaj, at Baltic Wharf in 1922. This corresponds to details recorded in the Harbourmaster’s journal for that period.

Technical Data

The series of four cards (below), collected over several years, is a sequence of photographs taken by J. White as Kaj left Littlehampton in October 1922.

Although it is probable that Kaj had an auxiliary engine, it would have been a challenge for a ship of this size and windage to turn around in the river and exit the harbour without the aid of a tow. She is high in the water and light (i.e. carrying little or no cargo) but probably had some bricks or stone as ballast; as a result, power and steerage are impaired. This picture shows her under tow from two of the Britannia launches acting in concert to assist in forward motion and steering. The wind appears to be north or north-easterly, so she has some sails set on the foremast which are already pulling. 

In this second photograph, Kaj has progressed further down the river and both towing launches are still assisting. The ship appears to be travelling slightly faster.

The third photograph shows that more topsail has been added to the foremast which will add speed. Both launches are now on the windward side (right in the view), working to hold the bow to port against the effect of the wind paying it off to starboard, and probably anticipating a cross current at the entrance. 

Finally, Kaj is seen departing to sea having dropped the tows and now sailing entirely under her own power. One of the launches is heading off to the left before turning back to the harbour. The bright spot on the left may not be the sun; it seems too low in the sky, even for October, so it could be an artifact or a deliberate addition to enhance the scene.