It's a life on the ocean wave for China as paramount leader Deng Xiao-ping tries to float the good ship Renminbi. But it's not to be.
Speculators quickly pull the plug, and the Chinese currency hits rock bottom.
Sorry Granddad, the idea was scuppered before leaving port. Further south, and it's all aboard the Ship of Democracy for Captain Chris Patten and his able crew. Full speed ahead on the reform process. No slow boat to China, this one. But watch out - these are uncharted waters and it won't be all plain sailing.