Final answer:
The subject of the passage is the experience of a group of men in a small sailboat encountering rough waves and trying to reach the shore.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the given passage is the experience of a group of men in a small sailboat encountering rough waves and trying to reach the shore. It describes their actions, emotions, and thoughts as they navigate the tumultuous sea. The passage uses vivid language to depict the danger and uncertainty the men face.