Charles enlists Gerald's help in his plans to develop the marina. Tom and Jan come to a financial agreement even though their marriage is over. Leo is determined to help Abby and her unborn baby. A mysterious man, Richard Shellet, claims to have a genuine claim over the Mermaid Yard. Jan travels to London where she meets fashion photographer Claude Dupont. Lyn has great success in the Fast Net race and Ken naively agrees to go into partnership with Charles.

Tom and Avril's first night together is interrupted by a boating accident. When it emerges that the boat was recently serviced by the Mermaid Yard, there are criminal charges to answer. Leo becomes suspicious of his father's relationship with Avril. Jan is angered when Ken tells her what has been going on. Richard Skellet pursues his claim on the Mermaid Yard and it emerges he has a backer with a vested interest in gaining ownership of the yard.

The legal battle between Jack and Skellet over the Mermaid Yard hots up. Tom adapts his boat designs to appease Jack while Charles and Ken's plans for the marina development forge ahead. Charles seduces Lyn and learns of Tom and Avril's affair. Jan receives a business offer from Claude Dupont and a personal offer from Ken. Kate invests in a racehorse. Polly interferes in her absent daughter's life.

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.

Environmentalist Leo comes to blows with creepy Ken Masters over the development of a local beauty spot. Patriarch Tom resorts to desperate measures to hep Lynne.

As leather-clad Leo mourns for the birds, Mr Shellet plots a dangerous revenge. Ken's ambivalence towards Claude's designs enrages dazzling Jan and silver fox Charles puts a scheme in motion.

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