ALEXANDRA SHULMAN’S NOTEBOOK: Lure of the cruel sea is so strong for the wealthy

The tragedy surrounding the deaths of tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, his daughter, and others on the Bayesian reminds us that no matter how rich and successful we are, the sea is a cruel mistress that costs us nothing.

The yacht was clearly a source of great pride and joy – and a symbol of Lynch’s business success. Owning a boat is often the favourite mark of achievement for a self-made tycoon.

I’m not suggesting for a moment that Lynch was an extravagant show-off – indeed, those who knew him would argue the opposite was true. But I’ve long found it odd that men (and women) who are used to total control in their lives often buy a boat as a reward of their choosing.

These superyachts can be the height of luxury. Philip Green of Topshop had a huge wine shop full of ultra-expensive bottles of Petrus, stacked so that the prestigious label was visible to anyone passing by.

Others may have helipads, swimming pools, saunas, mini yachts and jet skis. Cabins and lounges can be designed to any specification, because waking up on the sea is wonderful, watching the sunrise over the Aegean from your own bedroom terrace.

On board you are the master of your own universe.

But while it is rare for a large yacht like the Bayesian to sink so terribly quickly, all boats at sea are dominated by nature. No matter how luxurious and fantastic the ship, it will still play second fiddle to the tides.

Superyachts are left stranded for days by summer winds in the Cyclades, planned trips in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean are disrupted by unforeseen weather conditions.

Bed linen with a thread count of 800 cannot prevent disgusting movements at night when the boat is anchored in a heavy swell.

Perhaps the appeal of yachting lies in the fact that highly driven and successful individuals, used to having the final say in everything they do, find a sense of freedom in giving up control to nature.

Many enjoy the element of risk in their work – something that is always present at sea. There is no certainty on the waves.

It is appalling that Mike Lynch, who had just escaped a prison sentence in the US, fell victim to this risk.

Devotion of Swifties was pretty scary

Over the years I’ve seen a lot of great live acts – Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Madonna – but never have I seen an audience as big as Taylor Swift’s.

At Wembley Stadium, 92,000 fans were all amped up (that means she played to three-quarters of a million people in her eight concerts in London alone), decked out in Swiftie uniforms of sequins, friendship bracelets and cowboy hats.

The show was sensational and incredibly fun, but it was also terrifying to see how one person could inspire so much dedication.

Swift had us all on our feet, singing along to every word, making us applaud every sentiment.

But such a display of obsessive admiration made it frighteningly easy to imagine how it could be turned by some malevolent force into something like the Nuremberg Rally – sinister and violent.

Take the test before it’s too late

Last week I wrote in the Daily Mail about my recent treatment for bowel cancer, which was discovered through the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme which, like many people over the age of 54, I am fortunate enough to receive free of charge.

I had no symptoms that would indicate a problem.

When I was diagnosed and told others how the cancer was discovered, I was shocked that so many people had thrown away their test kit or put it aside to do it ‘another time’.

My GP said that unfortunately the test is very rarely done in general, no doubt because people are too lazy or too afraid of the results. But she said that patients should not be afraid, especially since I was the first person she had known in her practice to get a positive diagnosis of cancer after doing the test.

I wrote the article to illustrate the importance of taking these tests seriously, something far too many people fail to do.

Now, eight weeks after the surgery, I have recovered and feel great. But if I had waited months to get checked, the end story might have been very different.

It is extremely satisfying to hear from many readers that they are determined to take the test and send in their sample by mail.

Why a new wardrobe is simply the best thing

The photo that accompanies my article was taken by regular Mail portrait photographer Mark Harrison. I am a nightmare to photograph, as I hate being photographed and am very particular about what I do and don’t do.

To cheer me up (and no doubt to stifle my groans), he told me how happy 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 completely understand that.

There’s something special about being able to keep all your clothes in one place, instead of having them scattered wherever you can find space. When you look inside and see them neatly organized in a new wardrobe, before it gets all messy, you get the feeling that all is right with the world.

Star Michelle’s faint praise for ‘my girl’

Wow, what a performance Michelle Obama did to endorse Kamala Harris at last week’s Democratic Convention. It is well known that the former First Lady herself never wants to be president, but there are many who do.

Her power of speech is astonishing. Her star power is undeniable.

Harris will greatly appreciate the support of her and her husband Barack in her fight against Donald Trump.

But when I heard Michelle refer to the Democratic candidate as the vaguely petite “my girl,” it sounded a little off. As if she was the one standing and Kamala Harris was merely a subordinate.