Back from Lagos at the beginning of March, suitably tanned and rested, only to be greeted by a really challenging wintry month of March weather here at home. Snow, gales, the lot! I was rather preoccupied with my eye operation, which happened last week and seems so far to have had the desired effect of restoring my vision, and repairing the detached retina this time.

So now it's a question of getting the boat ready for this season's sailing here in local waters. I have a number of organised events to base the programme on - Royal Highland Yacht Club muster, and sail in company to Belfast, Rival Owners Association muster, and the Ocean Cruising Club's Round Jura sail in company. In between times, who knows?

Here's another look at Little Else sailing up the Sound of Mull in 2011 on her way to Tobermory. Photo courtesy of Ian Clement