The beginning of the 20th century in England was marked by the death of the Queen Victoria in 1901. and thus the end of Victorian era. During this period the population of England almost doubled. The period that followed was seen as mediocre period with great differences between the wealthy and the poor. Unemployment increased. There were large numbers of domestic servants who lived in a self-enclosed social system inside the mansions. Half of population could not read or write. The work conditions in the booming industrial factories were terrible. Working class performed physical labor for minimal wages; lower middle class were head teachers, journalists, shopkeepers; middle class were doctors, lawyers, clerks; upper class did not work and their income came from inherited land and investments.
It seems to be men are in boats, sailing to Colombia, or some other place. But based on the title of this masterpiece, more likely Colombia. And back when this painting was created, men were more likely to sail, than any more genders.