For the second time in two weeks we are back in the dry dock, except it is not very dry. The boat is dry (when it finally ceases to rain) but the dock does not drain completely. While it is only about an inch of yucky, smelly water, my baggy overalls sit in the water and gradually suck the wet up to my knees – all very jolly!

The morning started out with us being thwarted at every step and caused several spinning top manoeuvres as we weren’t sure where to start. However, the afternoon proved much better.

Has the worm turned? It feels like it.

After months of negotiation, stress and frustration, we are finally receiving some good news.

Firstly, not boat related. My next book Of Foreign Build is in edit stage. A great group of Beta readers have been working through the manuscript prior to the editor. The comments, ‘you made me laugh, you made me cry’ and I LOVE IT’, are amazing and so uplifting, it almost made me cry.

Then we had some news re: boat insurance, it’s all sorted – finally.

We were given, yes given, some extra bottom paint and although the rain keeps stopping me, our boat has almost another coat.

Noel is replacing the head (toilet) hoses (usually my job!) and has replaced all the seacocks, BUT the big news . . .

We have a brand new, propeller shaft and bearings! – Things are looking up.