ONE WAY to deal with jetlag?

Ask ten people who travel, for their tips on how to avoid jetlag and you will no doubt get ten different answers. I have my own methods and understand that what works for me, will not necessarily work, or appeal to others, especially the no alcohol part !

So, my key tip is, no matter what time you arrive, try to go to bed at 9/10pm local time and avoid napping if possible, it only makes your head feel like candy floss!

Landing into Sydney at 6.35am, after flying straight from London via Abu Dhabi, was therefore, going to present a challenge. There was no way that I could sit in my room, put my feet up and have a rest, and not sleep, so I planned activities that would ensure I stayed awake. Starting with a walk around The Rocks, then out to the Opera House and then to Darling Harbour.

At Darling Harbour I boarded AUS 21, the Australian America's Cup yacht. AUS 21 was built for the 1992 race in San Diego, she came 6th in the Louis Vuitton Cup.

In 2012 she underwent a full refit and is now used for scheduled departures and exclusive use for private and corporate bookings, sailing out of Sydney Harbour - passengers can opt to join a sailing, or a race.

Fortunately, given my slightly sleepy state, the 31st August was a "sailing" day, and I could enjoy the sunshine, the exhilaration of being on the yacht, and taking the helm, without too much exertion.

Despite those that questioned my sanity "perhaps you should wait another day, and go when you have had some sleep?", I enjoyed it immensely. The weather was perfect, 27 degrees C (this is winter ?!), brilliant sunshine and calm seas. The sun and temperature (on land) were great, but cutting through the water at speed meant that it did feel rather colder than my fellow passengers and I expected. Our modest jackets were zipped and scarves tied and we were all wishing we had layered up for this adventure.

So, did the trip help with my jetlag?  It certainly did, 2.5 hours sailing around the harbour and bays that surround Sydney, in the brilliant sunshine, taking in the fresh sea air and watching my fellow passengers man the grinders kept me awake, entertained and enthralled. After a light dinner I hit the sack at 9pm, my lungs full of fresh sea air, and slept like a baby.

Would I recommend it, absolutely!