Steve had been doing some research, talking with James and Jim, about how to fix the engine. He returned to Suffolk in the Freelander on 13 September, then drove down to join Peter at the Southampton Boat Show.

After a few more useful conversations, he’s confident about fixing it . . . but maybe it’s time to think about a new engine? On 14 October we both drove down to Suffolk for a long weekend, in part to watch the excellent film ‘Endurance’. We took the winter cover down ready for next time and brought back all the sails for winter storage at home. Lou and Maggie were in Woodbridge and we’ve hopefully purchased their dinghy, pending the sale of their boat. With some careful modifications to the bag, it should fit neatly behind the mast and we’ll hopefully be able to sell the old one . . .

Returning to Suffolk on 31 October for another ‘long weekend’ Steve is pretty certain he’s done all the maintenance he can on the engine and has winterised it. The winter cover is also fitted so she’s all cosy and dry, hopefully, for whatever the winter weather brings. The main reasons for this ‘long weekend’ were the OGA AGM and an excellent brass band concert with supper afterwards hosted by Iris and Rick.