Today was a test run for a day we have booked for Clair and Jonathan’s visit in two weeks.

It was also one of the coldest days we have had with sandstorms reducing the visibility so that the Abu Dhabi skyline was barely visible.

I was looking forward to brisk sailing conditions with the sound of the wind in the sails and the waves slapping against the hull. Instead we had one small sail up, the motor running the whole time and terrible dance music thumping out the whole day.

We went to a pristine beach that is only visible at low water. Only a few hardy souls went for a swim and Sue and I were not amongst them. We got back on the boat fairly quickly and had another glass of champagne.