Colin's boat passed its insurance survey, so it may be back on the water tomorrow. He's planning to motor it across from the yacht club to the marina at high tide, which is about lunchtime. Anthea is coming out on the bus, we're planning to walk from Elie to St Monans and back. However, if it's raining again we may have to revise that.

Friday I'm going to get a wetsuit. For years I've been sailing in track pants and a fleece, with thermals underneath if it's cold. On my feet I had canvas plimsolls. A few years ago I got a pair of dinghy boots, tight-fitting neoprene boots with zips. Instant comfort! It was so much more pleasant sailing with warm feet. Then a couple of weeks ago I was on a weekend improvers course and for the first time sailed in a wetsuit. Bliss. Not only was I much more comfortable -- warmth without bulk! -- but I didn't come away covered in bruises.

It will also be good not to come home with a bag full of wet clothes. Just the wetsuit, cagoule, boots and gloves to hose down. I might go sailing on Saturday afternoon.

Colin asked if Bertie might like to go sailing in his yacht. I had to say no -- his centre of gravity is just too high. He can't sit, he either stands or lies down. There wouldn't be room for him to lie down on deck, and he'd just fall over standing up. Plus he'd be terrified. On the whole I think he'd rather be home with a good biscuit.