And so there we were, messing around in a catamaran in the Mediterranean, taking in the view of the harbour and watching the sun glistening on the sea. There was a cool breeze wafting in across the waves and the sound of the water lapping against the hull.

My friends were true nautical types, talking about wind speeds, water resistance, multihulls and other sea-faring stuff. For me, they could have been speaking another language, as my sailing credentials are basically zero. And that’s the beauty of it; you don’t have to know a lot to be able to enjoy the sort of lifestyle that living next to the sea provides.

The next thing you know, some of my fellow passengers had started to throw themselves off the side – no, not in some bizarre suicide pact, but with snorkelling and diving equipment strapped to their faces and bodies – ready to take on the challenges and mysteries of the deep (well, look at some colourful fish anyway). I hoped that they’d nab me a lobster or a crab, as I do like a plate of shellfish. I digress…

But where else can you enjoy this kind of life? Well, when it comes to diving, I gather that the Red Sea coast of Egypt is pretty spectacular. Apparently, they have sunken cities, treasure and other Pirates of the Caribbean type clichés. Hey, if that’s the sort of thing you want on your doorstep, then why not buy a property there – it’s more flash than staying in a hotel and likely to be a jolly good investment. In fact, anything near to or within walking distance to the beach, will always be a good shout, whether it’s for personal enjoyment or future rental income.

Elsewhere in the world, I gather that the beaches of Brazil are pretty spectacular, and they too are developing seafront properties to take advantage of a burgeoning tourist industry, a growing economy and increased interest from those looking to invest in areas which in the past would not have been considered, but which are now one of the most fascinating property hotspots.

So back to the catamaran (is it a yacht or a boat, or neither? Please, someone educate me!). The boys and girls had clambered back on board, with flushed faces, bits of seaweed stuck behind their ears, and that healthy “I’ve been out diving in the Med, and don’t have a care in the world” look in their eyes. Naturally, they’d forgotten my lobster, but if that’s the sum total of my problems today, then life’s not that bad is it? Let’s face it, this sort of thing used to be the preserve of the rich and famous, but now anyone can get a piece of the action. If a landlubber like me can do it, then anyone can. On the crest of a wave? You bet!