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 the engine . . . but maybe it’s time to think about a new one? On 14 October we both drove down to Suffolk for a long weekend, in part to watch the excellent film ‘Endurance’ – well worth watching if you get the chance. “In a legendary feat of leadership and perseverance, polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton kept his crew of 27 men alive for over a year despite the loss of their ship in frigid pack ice. Over a century later, a team of modern-day explorers sets out to find the sunken ship. From National Geographic Documentary Films and directed by Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin and Natalie Hewit, ‘Endurance’ tells the inspiring stories of these two landmark expeditions, bound by their shared grit and determination.”

We took the winter cover down ready for next time and brought back all the sails for winter storage at home. Another thing to think about for next year is a new dinghy. We’ve decided to try to sell the old one which is really too small and rather unseaworthy . . .

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 second ‘long weekend’ in a fortnight were the OGA AGM and an excellent brass band concert with supper afterwards, hosted by Iris and Rick. We’re back again at the end of November for a concert in Ipswich . . .