I’m beginning to find my sea legs, after a weekend in Malta on a Sunseeker with Rotary last weekend, and spending the last 48 hours in the Isle of Wight courtesy of Nautica.

The watch brand was one of the sponsors of the Round the Island race at the Isle of Wight on Saturday, in which 1,700 participants set sail. Retailers from F Hinds and TH Baker, as well as a Signet Group customer who won a Father’s Day competition, joined Timex UK managing director Gavin Crilly-McKean and a professional crew aboard two Nautica yachts, and they posted pretty impressive rankings.

There were also some injuries – knocks to the head, rope burn and some major-league bruises, which meant I was not exactly without fear as I took my turn on the yacht with the Nautica sales and marketing team yesterday. I pointed out to Gavin that I could not possibly risk a full-body bruise such as the one he sustained on his first boat trip, not with the UK Jewellery Awards in three and a half weeks.

Luckily for me, the crew decided to give us a break, and my participation was pretty lightweight – a few minor tugs at a rope and a little bit of steering was all that was required. I won’t be giving up my day job, though, I think I’m definitely better at scribing than sailing.

Back on dry land, the brand hosted their own marquee, complete with watch displays and also a grinder, which tested my upper body strength to the max.

Now it’s back to dry land, and the final day of judging the UK Jewellery Awards. Today we’re doing Retail Employer, Retail Star and Jewellery Designer of the Year.

Bye for now

Jenni