Cannot connect, no error message (just hangs)

I am using the latest version of MUSHclient and have been connecting successfully for months up until now. I have not updated or changed my operating system. When I try to connect all that happens is this:

Welcome to MUSHclient version 5.06!
Written by Nick Gammon.

Compiled: Mar 29 2019 at 17:21:07.
Using: Lua 5.1.4, PCRE 8.39, PNG 1.6.23, SQLite3 3.16.2, Zlib 1.2.8

For information and assistance about MUSHclient visit our forum at:
http://www.gammon.com.au/forum/
Can you trust your plugins? See: http://www.gammon.com.au/security

As you can see it is not even trying to connect! I have tried several muds and it is the same for all of them. Connecting with a mud portal is no problem, so the internet is fine.

I am using a MacBook Air with a wine-preloader (Wine Stable) to run MUSHclient.

UPDATE: solved!

I had an issue recently with a mud requesting I disable auto connect. After reenabling it the problem was solved.

Having said that, can someone explain the exact function of autoconnect?

When you open the world file, it joins the MUD.

With that off, you have to select Connection (menu) -> Connect.

Or, just press <Enter> and it will notice that you are not connected and try to connect you.

"Nothing happens" when you open the world file is what I would expect with Auto Connect turned off.