It is a query that assumes many things, the worst being that we are somehow defined by what we do for a living. My answer, "I'm a restaurateur", usually gives way to a tumbleweed moment as I am stared at blankly. But sometimes people correct me... They will say "Don't you mean restauraNteur?"

I slink over to the kitchen and scour the worktops for a tipple. I settle on a big bottle of Plymouth gin and glug as much as decency will allow into the nearest clean glass, before peeking around the kitchen, like a meerkat, on the search for tonic. I soon see a bottle, which is attached to the hand of God, or his nearest approximation on Earth.

The scene is set for one of the best Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week's ever, with almost 1000 yachts due to take part in the week long regatta. ...