Sucks, skipper. Only a sailor really understands the bond. It's not just the boat, it's that it represents being landlocked, not able to feel her respond beneath your loving hand. It is about a pact between you and your ship to try and outwit the old man lurking beyond the break, waiting for you to slip up. And it's about the coming home, the pulling into port, and the warm feeling that one can only get by leaving and then returning.

I ache for you, my friend. Let's have a drink on this one soonest.

Love and friendship,

Mick