What do you do when you’re on passage, and the previous night at anchor mosquitoes have used your face, neck and hands as a feeding ground? Take several metres of netting and the remnants of an old drysuit (that kept water in, rather than out) and create a mosquito net that is tailor-made for your berth.

I’d never set up the sewing machine while at sea before, but needs must! I have one spot on-board that I use for sewing. Perched on a stool on the starboard side of the saloon table, is the only place where I can use the foot pedal without my knee and the bottom of the table getting into a space argument.

It was hot and thirsty work, but all went relatively well – with only one unpick at the end of the day when I was getting tired and starting to rush.

The end result is a mosquito net that allows me a safe and comfortable night’s sleep and doesn’t get in my face when in bed.

Very happy.