Alec Thornton, at age fifteen, shares his dream of building a sailboat and sailing to Aruba with best friends Robbie and Jason. They, being as excited about the project as Alec, enthusiastically agree to help. When two local bullies begin harassing and terrorizing the boys, they strike back and the conflict escalates. After a severe beating at the hands of the two thugs puts Robbie in the hospital, the boys must face the stark reality that their tormentors aren't going away. On the night Alec plans to celebrate the boat's completion, he discovers the barn that houses his dream has been mysteriously set on fire. The boys plan their revenge, but events take a dark turn when the plot goes awry.