Mike Nicholls, a former Royal Navy officer returns to his childhood town of Bridehaven to take on the role of harbourmaster. The first series featured on storylines including a blossoming romance with local constable Melanie Rush, the ruthless business dealings of Tony Simpson, and the inter-family feuding of the Blades — Steve, George, Jason, Kelly and Rita. The second series featured much harder-hitting storylines than the first, and was criticised by local residents for portraying West Bay in a bad light.