We think we've bought a boat! Oh my God! It actually seems to be happening!
We've spent the last few days visiting the boat show and looking at second hand boats. Gradually we whittled down the contenders until it became clear there really was only one type that would suit our needs - the Bavaria 38. The storage - very important from our point of view - is next to none, whilst reviews of the sailing style were very positive. They also have an amazing feeling of space inside.

The only question that remained then was 'Which one?'. The last boat we looked at was a beautiful example of the two cabin Owner's Edition and absolutely immaculate - the Cheryl Cole of boats. The one before was a neglected, unloved orphan that had been bashed about a bit although 'lightly used'. Neil smelt a bargain. Also in the back of our minds was a three cabin version we had seen in November, loved and cared for and haunting us as the one that got away. Holly Golightly maybe. We'd put in a couple of offers but been turned down.

We put in what was an admittedly low offer but with scope to negotiate on Cheryl but the owner refused to budge a penny on the asking price. Too far out of our range.

The tactic became to try again for Holly on the understanding that if it was not accepted again we would put a cheeky offer in for the orphan. We waited on tender hooks hardly daring to think any further. We drove about, checking far too often for messages on the phone. Then it happened. Neil pulled in to the side of the road and took the call. Amazingly, incredibly, unbelievably our last offer had been accepted. It felt like Destiny. She was 130 miles away and we just had to see her again - now.

Through the beautiful coastal scenery of Dorset and Devon as the sun began to go down, we drove to Plymouth. In the last fading light of a January day we saw her again. The wondrous Seren Mor. Our sea star.