Published: June 2024
Ben Sharpe, a former merchant navy officer, buys paddle steamer Princess Katrina, with an inheritance left to him by his Aunt Rose.
Ben is married to Felicity and they have three children. Caroline; Patrick and Justin. Erica, Ben's mother decided live aboard, over Christmas, but only when conditons are improved!The novel follows the progress of renovation with the family living aboard. There's a childrens' and adults Christmas party. Freddie, as Father Christmas falls in the harbour and has to be resecued by Ben. Princess Katrina, once under steam is taken into the inner harbour for careening. Scrubbing and painting of underside of paddle steamer. Opportunity arises for a test run to Elberry Cove. A connecting rod is faulty, but this is a minor problem. Various characters are introduced and the steamer is sucessfully renovated.
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