Perot was witty and comfortable in his own skin, which I thought would reassure his supporters and perhaps sway some of the undecided voters.

And thoughts that once wrung groans of anguish, Now cause but some mild tears to flow.

The William Olsen, a San Francisco barkentine, kedged out into the lagoon as fast as possible, and through the tearing sheets of rain I glimpsed other vessels reaching for a holding-ground.

An impromptu flypast by the Red Arrows finished off the special event in style.