I was so excited when TPR and I walked along the pontoon to board the yacht that would be our home with around 20 others for the months of September to December.

As soon as we were inside the vessel, however, I realised our terrible mistake in signing up for this ‘adventure of a lifetime’.

I was claustrophobic, susceptible to seasickness, and an unskilled sailor. We had to return to dry land as soon as possible!