Tim Dowling: I’m all at sea … on a reservoir near Heathrow airport

At my age, I never thought I’d need another qualification. But here I am, grappling with knots and a man overboard in 35 mph winds I’m at the helm of a 15-foot rigid inflatable boat (Rib) in terrible weather: there are storm clouds approaching from the south-west and the wind is already gusting at 35 mph. Waves are breaking over the bow, dropping a bucketful of water into my lap each time. As I bear off to port, the boat lurches in the heavy swell, and someone at the starboard bow shouts, “Ma...

By Tim Dowling