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ALEXANDRA SHULMAN'S NOTEBOOK: Lure of the cruel sea is so strong for the wealthy
The tragedy of the death of tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, his daughter and others, on the ill-fated Bayesian is a reminder that no matter how wealthy and successful we are, the sea is a cruel mistress and in hock to no man or woman.
Clearly, the yacht was a source of great pride and joy – and a symbol of Lynch's business success. Owning a boat is frequently the favoured marker of the achievements of a self-made tycoon.
I don't for a moment suggest that Lynch was an extravagant show-off – indeed those who knew him claim quite the reverse was true. But I've long thought it curious that men (and women) who are used to complete control in their life often buy a boat as their reward of choice.
These superyachts can be the ultimate in luxury. Topshop's Philip Green had a huge wine store stocked with ultra-expensive bottles of Petrus stacked so the prestigious label was on display to any passer-by.
Others may have heli-pads, swimming pools, saunas, mini sailing yachts and jet-skis. Cabins and lounges can be designed to every specification, for waking up at sea is lovely, watching the sunrise over the Aegean from your bedroom's own terrace.
The tragedy of the death of tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch (seen), his daughter and others, on the ill-fated Bayesian is a reminder that no matter how wealthy and successful we are, the sea is a cruel mistress
The ill-fated Bayesian sailing boat, pictured on August 19 before it sank that night
Mr Lynch is pictured with his daughter Hannah, who also died on the vessel
On board, you are master of your universe.
But though it's rare for a big yacht such as the Bayesian to sink so horribly quickly, once at sea all boats are dominated by nature. No matter how plush and fabulous the vessel, it will still be playing second fiddle to the tides.
Superyachts get stranded for days by the summer winds in the Cyclades, planned trips are steered off course in the Med or Caribbean by unforeseen weather.
Eight hundred thread-count bed-sheets can't prevent sickening movement overnight when the boat is anchored in a heavy swell.
Perhaps the allure of yachts is because hugely-driven and successful characters, who are used to having the final say in everything they do, find an element of freedom in conceding control to nature.
Many enjoy the element of risk in their work – something that is ever-present on the sea. There is no certainty on the waves.
It's awful that Mike Lynch, who had just escaped a US jail sentence, fell foul of this risk.
Devotion of Swifties was quite terrifying
Over the years I've seen many huge live acts – Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Madonna – but never have I seen an audience quite like Taylor Swift's.
At Wembley Stadium, 92,000 completely hyped-up fans (meaning that over her eight nights there, she played to three quarters of a million people in London alone), were togged up in the Swiftie uniform of sequins, friendship bracelets and cowboy hats.
The show was sensational and the greatest fun, but it was also terrifying to see how one person can attract such devotion.
Swift was able to get us all up on our feet singing along with every word, applauding every sentiment.
However, such a display of obsessive admiration made it frighteningly easy to imagine how it could be turned, by a malevolent force, into something Nuremberg rally-like – sinister and violent.
Take the test, before it may be too late
Last week, I wrote in the Daily Mail of my recent treatment for colon cancer. It was discovered through the NHS bowel cancer screening programme which I, like many over 54, am fortunate to be sent for free.
I had no symptoms that might suggest a problem.
When I was diagnosed and told others about how the cancer was discovered, I was shocked that so many had just thrown their test-kit away or put it aside, to do 'another time'.
Alexandra Shulman (seen in hospital) survived breast cancer three years ago, but has now been diagnosed with colon cancer
My GP said that, in general, take-up of the test is unfortunately very low, no doubt because people are either too lazy or too scared of the result. But, she said patients shouldn't be fearful – especially since I was the first person she had known in her surgery to have a positive cancer diagnosis after taking the test.
I wrote the article to illustrate the importance of taking these tests seriously – something that too many people don't do.
Now, eight weeks post-surgery, I am recovered and feel fine. But if I had left it months to get checked, the end story might have been so very different.
It's been hugely gratifying to hear from many readers that they are adamant they will take the test and send off their sample in the post.
Why a new wardrobe is simply the best
The picture that accompanied my article was taken by regular Mail portrait photographer Mark Harrison. It's hell photographing me because I hate being photographed and I am very fussy about what I will or won't do.
In order to jolly me along (and no doubt to shut out my moans), he told me how excited his wife was with a new wardrobe they had installed. She said it was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Better than children.
I so understand that.
There's something about being able to house all your clothes in one place, rather than scattering them around wherever you can find room. Whenever you glance inside and see them organised neatly in a new wardrobe, before it gets all messed up, makes you feel all is well with the world.
Star Michelle's faint praise for 'my girl'
'What a performance Michelle Obama gave to endorse Kamala Harris at last week's Democratic Convention'
Wow, what a performance Michelle Obama gave to endorse Kamala Harris at last week's Democratic Convention. It's well-known that the former First Lady doesn't ever want to stand for President herself but there are very many who wish she did.
Her powers of oratory are staggering. Her star-power is undeniable.
The support of her and husband Barack will be greatly welcomed by Harris in her battle against Donald Trump.
But when I heard Michelle refer to the Democrat candidate as the faintly diminutive 'my girl', it sounded a touch inappropriate. As if it were she who was standing, and Kamala Harris a mere subordinate.