Short and to the point: the world's poorest Oyster owner (Mr Roger Winter of Jolie Brise) came alongside Guapa at 10H00. We played around with bits of string and were soon under way with the minimum amount of fuss.

Apart from some inconsiderate nerks not slowing down when they passed us (it was blindingly obvious we were under tow) there's not much to report. Parked on our mooring in no time. A great sense of relief was felt by all.

Meanwhile Brigitte had once again taken the car round and was duly collected by Yanni in the dinghy. Time for lunch - of the liquid variety - with some crisps thrown in.
Fog lifted and glorious sunshine was our part. I was almost enjoying myself. Hanging around on a boat, drinking beer, talking bollocks - my idea of heaven.

What about the engine? That's still to be investigated. What's wrong? The possibilities are legion: ranging from water in the diesel over water in the cylinder heads to a stuck exhaust valve. Some more serious and expensive than the other.
If the engine is fixable for a relatively modest sum we might still be able to salvage the rest of the season. If it's curtains for the engine or if the repairs should prove too costly I will stick Guapa on the hard somewhere till our economic/financial situation improves.

Quietly I'm still hoping for the best, but mentally I've already written off 2009. Such is life.