Weir Quay in August's Yachting Monthly

With Solent boatyard bills soaring, YM's production editor Kieran Flatt explains in Sea change (p58) why, over the years, he's downsized from posh marina to swinging mooring. This year, he reckons he'll save another £1,000 by moving his yacht 170 miles west from Portsmouth to the rural idyll of Weir Quay, on the River Tamar.

Here, his boat will serve as a country cottage for weekend getaways. As an extra bonus, Kieran is looking forward to exploring a whole new cruising ground on his doorstep. Every sailing trip will feel like a 'proper holiday' he says.

Of course, there are drawbacks, as well as plus points. It's a long drive to Plymouth and he can't just pop down to check the boat before a gale warning. But making savings demands sacrifices. Sailing, after all, is a luxury. But we mustn't get trapped into feeling guilty at enjoying the Great Escape - casting off to leave behind our land-bound woes.