Popeye and Bluto compete in a swimming race across the English Channel, for the “Piccadilly Golden Cup.” Bluto tries numerous cheating schemes to get ahead: sabotaging Popeye’s dive board, unraveling his knit swimsuit using a hooked fish, using sneezing powder, attaching a magnet that attracts a mine, and dropping cement on him. Olive Oyl is present as Popeye’s coach and cheering section, helping him at times (e.g. sawing him free when stuck). Despite the cheating and obstacles, Popeye ultimately triumphs and wins the race.