Agilis Rising Under Sail

Porter, a fellow of action with a sense of humor sails to San Francisco in 1849. He jumps ship for the California gold rush but fails. His ship has no choice of seamen and signs him as a temporary second mate.
The ship's owner wagers all on a Trans-Pacific race to Honolulu. Porter struggles to control his crew, cope with the jealous first mate, save a secret gold shipment from Chinese pirates, combat sabotage, battle the rival ship. A sailor, his friend, drowns following his command.
Can he rise to lead and win the bet?