While Laura's on a one way track to the altar, Maxs announces he has accepted a lucrative job with an international newspaper and will be leaving Pearl Bay - and Laura - behind. Of all things, a trivia night question causes Max to reassess his life. Max is reminded of his likeness to the mariner in Colerdige's 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', who shot an albatross, his potential saviour. In other words, Max realises he should stop making a habit of sabotaging his own happiness.

Meanwhile, Bob launches his campaign with Morton at the reigns. Mr Jelly receives female attention from his forward image consultant, Astrid Moore, prompting Bob to warn Heather she'll let a tiger out to play if she doesn't take him back. Heather knows Bob couldn't cheat on him no more than she could on him. Her theory is proved when a terrified Bob bails out a restaurant toilet window to escape Astrid's advances.

Trudi finds herself in court...as Vietnamese interpreter. As the case unravels, the defendant is revealed to be Lewis' father. He traded identities with a crim and risks imprisonment just to see Trudi again and beg her to return home with him. Desperation drives Karen, too, when in a last ditch attempt to win Angus back, she learns to surf.

At the eleventh hour Max confesses his true feelings for Laura but his words are soon upstaged by the fact they are careering downriver in an out-of-control dinghy. However, after a champagne drenched hen's night Laura, again, finds herself careering out of control...by foot, to the shack at the end of the beach.