I went to my boat in Poole Harbour on Tuesday 19 August – a lovely day – hoping for a pleasant day’s sailing.

Rowed out to the boat, only to discover that the outboard had been stolen along all the associated bits and pieces, and the solar panel with controller.

I came home and reported it to the police on their website, who acknowledge and advised by email, that a crime number would follow in up to 5 days. At the same time, I also reported it to the insurance company – GJW DIRECT.

Following a number of emails, obviously requiring further details and photos, which I returned, my claim has now been approved, Thursday 21 August, with monies into my bank account within 5 days. By the way, I am still waiting for the crime number!!

Now I may be just a little biased – but I call that service.

Moral of the story: 1. Insurance Company! 2. Make sure you take plenty of photographs of your boat, the security arrangements and how the various bits and pieces are locked down.