One thing we've noticed among the many cruisers we've met over our years sailing around is that the medical profession seems to be disproportionally represented. While their services aren't often called on, most of us respecting their right to time off, it's reassuring to know they are around although I do seem to have enjoyed their attentions. Disproportionately. Such are the challenges of keeping this racing frame in top condition.

Over the miles and years we've had Dr David, always ready with advice and a handful of super-strong painkillers that would be worth a lot of cash "on the street". Nurse and wife Gitte who worryingly has a catheter in her toolkit - and knows where to poke it. Chris the midwife - widely travelled sharing her expertise among less advantaged communities around the world, and a great sounding board for a fretting grandmother. Dr Ross, dentist and skilled facial surgeon, whose stories would make your hair curl, ready to fix your nashers or perhaps a facelift. Doc Tibby, happy to not only dispense sound medical advice but diving lessons, Doctor Catarina guiding us through early days Covid at our beach surgeries, Doc Annie keeping wayward cruisers warm and off the rocks and the partnership of Colin and Izzy for any, well, let's just say "below the belt" issues. Dr Tony happy to boldly go where others might not, giving this passing sailor the once over and a sail round the bay. We're thankful to them all; even if it was just for being there.

However, most recently and perhaps with excellent timing, having just this morning left Anne's phone in Suzie's car, my sun specs in the shop and Anne's hat in the beauty salon, we've just met a medic whose expertise is right up our street. Her speciality?

She's a geriatrician.