Possible Clues:

• Feeling weak, but the tide is about to turn
• In a particularly poor state
• In a weak state
• Bet a blow sadly overwhelms area in a weak state
• In recession after a time nearly all are billions in debt
• There's little left as it's not tied up, by the sound of it
• Lacking vigour when the beach is empty
• A stay in the middle left old Channel swimmer feeling weak
• Weakened so, channel swimmer has less distance to cover (and one finishes!)
• Craft towable? Sailor keeps it in poor state