An enthusiast for sleeping aboard under an awning has twice been caught on an exposed mooring in a gale. He asks "has anyone a method of reducing the height of the awning, preferably from his sleeping bag, but at least from the inside of the boat! Anyone any ideas? R.D.

Tent arranged with six coathanger-type-hangers tied under boom, which rests in crutch, the tier threaded through the canvas tent, which is fixed, and lower edges to hooks on coaming. A.R.

Trying to make an old boat water-tight is a heartbreaking business. £3 spent on one of these foot pumps may be well worthwhile for they are so efficient that one can cheerfully pump for 25% of the time under way, even when single handed. In fact, pumping can become such a habit that one does it even when there is no water left. A.C.S.