Tom confesses to his family that he has invested in the Mermaid Boat Yard and his family is livid about the sale of the Flying Fish. Abby finds settling into the Tarrant social scene rather a challenge. Tom begins work at the Boat Yard where Avril remains coy about the buyer of his boat. Jan’s mother, Kate, encourages her to accept Ken’s offer of work. A distressed Abby takes some drastic action.

Leo acts like a hero. Jack has reservations about Tom’s approach to the Mermaid Yard and Avril is caught in the crossfire. Abby’s relationship with her mother continues to be a difficult one. Tom and Jan have a frank discussion about the state of their marriage when Jan finds herself preoccupied with her job at Ken Master’s company. Lynne expresses an interest in participating in the impending Fast-Net boat race and Philip Morton is looking for some crewmembers.

Over dinner with Tom, Avril confesses to buying the Flying Fish. Polly encounters Charles at a gallery opening but does not get the reception she desires. She later admits to Jan that Gerald is not Abby's father. Ken continues to cause friction between Tom and Jan. Charles expresses an interest in purchasing the Mermaid Yard and saving it from financial ruin. When he pays Avril a visit, the true nature of their past relationship emerges. Tom comforts Avril following her unexpected encounter with Charles.

There is descent at the Boat Yard because Tom, Avril and Jack are all too preoccupied elsewhere. Jan and Ken celebrate the opening of their new business venture, the Periplus Boutiquie. Shellet is happy to receive payment from Charles as they await the outcome of the legal action. Tom and Avril get support over his latest design from Relton. Charles and Lyn spend time together but she has doubts about his sincerity. Polly and Abby come to blows with potentially fatal consequences.

Relton Marine is apprehensive about investing in the Boat Yard's latest project. Lyn's altered behaviour causes Tom and Jan some concern. As Charles waits for his American wife to arrive, news of his past relationship with Polly becomes public knowldge. Abby gives birth but her relationship with her own mother continues to be problematic. Tom and Jan agree to a divorce and Relton makes Avril a lucrative offer. When Lyn finds Charles in a compromising position, disaster strikes.

Whilst the mermaid celebrated another successful launch, its future hangs in the balance at a London court. The mysterious disappearance of lovelorn Lynne causes panic.

Brittle Polly Urquhart is delighted by the arrival of American stud Orin. Lynne's amnesia leaves her living in a world of strangers and news from France threatens Tarrant's bourgeoning fashion scene.

Lynne’s transatlantic venture drives a wedge between Tom and Jan. Resistance to the marina development gathers momentum and Jack delivers Shellet an ultimatum. 

There’s concern across Tarrant as Lynne disappears from radar. Abby’s mothering abilities are called into question and the press get wind of swanky Charles’s plans…