WILSON TAKES CONTROL

Once we'd entered open water, the captain left the controls and came over to ask Wilson if he's like to drive the boat for a little – W glanced at me, I nodded, and he ran in to the little wheelhouse and grabbed the ship's wheel firmly in both paws.

At first the captain sat on his seat behind him, saying things like, 'Starboard a little… mind that seagull… don't hit that wave…' but after a few minutes he came out to speak to me, explaining that it often helps nervous passengers if they understand what's going on and feel like they're in control.

For myself, I have to admit I hadn't been feeling at all nervous – until a pre-adolescent anteater with no seafaring experience or ability took over the steering…