Faithfully reproduced observations of Breton fisherfolk in story of the man a local woman really loves who will not at first give himself to her because of his fondness for the sea that takes him away.

Brittany, 1920s: After their encounter at a ball, Gaud cannot forget the Icelandic fisherman Yann. However, he has already promised himself to his great love, the sea. Unfortunately for Gaud, he spends the whole summer fishing on the high seas. Meanwhile, Gaud waits eagerly for a reunion in the small harbor town of Paimpol. Gaud learns from her brother Sylvestre, Yann's best friend, of Yann's reason for his reticence - his passion for the sea. When Sylvestre is called up for military service, Yann nevertheless promises to marry Gaud on his return. Sylvestre is killed in action, while at the same time Gaud's father dies in Paimpol. After receiving this sad news, Yann returns to Paimpol and marries Gaud. However, the newlyweds' happiness is not entirely untroubled. Gaud fears that Yann will one day be recaptured by the sea. And indeed: shortly afterwards, Yann sets sail again .