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. 

Polly’s revelation leaves fertile Charles in a quandary. Jack’s behaviour causes concern at home and the boatyard, forcing wily Avril into a boardroom decision. 

Oh, happy day! France and Britain are joined in matrimony. Charles’ interests in the Mermaid ruffle feathers in the boardrooms of London and Abby confuses politics with desire. 

Abby is seduced by the icy blue eyes of sexy but dangerous fanatic Curtis Jaeger. Leo and Jan come to blows and Tom is left reeling by Avril’s cold and concrete business heart. 

Charles and Abby come to a resolution. Claude’s designs dazzle the London Fashion Show, but hearts break and blood is spilt on the beaches and blouses of Tarrant.

Surprises are in the Tarrant air as Jack receives a blast from the past when his ex Vanessa shows up; Gerald earns a lucrative job offer from Sir Edward and financial assistance from Charles; meanwhile the Barracuda's race is a rewarding one.

After the success of the Barracuda, a celebration is in order and it's officially launched by Relton. Charles has a new business partner, but he is left reeling after he learns his new investor is in fact his father.

Gerald is on to Sir Edward's plot to ruin Ken despite his feigned interest in the floatation of Leisure Cruise on the stock market. Tom is left un-impressed when Ken's cheque, for his pending commission at the boat yard, bounces.