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SaltyMonkey · 15-06-2010, 09:08

I see a great many retired folks posting on sailing forums such as this. I have great pictures in my mind of smiling grey haired folks sipping white wine on sparking clean new boats - right out of a yacht magazine - content in knowing they will get a stipend monthly in the bank either from the government or their investments. I know that is an extreme image, but, I'm curious...

With the downturn of the economy over the last few years, and loss of 401k retirement nest eggs and the like that generate income, I'd like to know if there are any older sailors out there that just said "screw it", bought a boat, took some money saved, and just decided to go before it was too late? Are you one of these folks, or have you come across any of them in your travels? Do they even exist?

When you are younger its easier to have that gusto...

**hummingway** · 15-06-2010, 10:28

I'm turning 54 this month and about 6 months ago I said screw it, bought the boat and moved aboard. I have some savings but certainly not a retirements worth but then 54 isn't that old. My decision had nothing to do with the economic climate and everything to do with my perspective on life. Money won't buy you the lost time.

Doodles · 16-06-2010, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by hummingway

I'm turning 54 this month and about 6 months ago I said screw it, bought the boat and moved aboard. I have some savings but certainly not a retirements worth but then 54 isn't that old. My decision had nothing to do with the economic climate and everything to do with my perspective on life. Money won't buy you the lost time.

Same story for us almost, except we were 57 & 60 and it was 3 years ago vs 6 months; otherwise, same reason, etc.

SaltyMonkey · 15-06-2010, 12:12

Hummingway - you are now without any doubt my hero to look up to!

Thank you for posting that comment!

Therapy · 15-06-2010, 12:22

We said "screw it" but found we can't just walk (float) away from family like so many others.

Doodles · 16-06-2010, 17:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Therapy

We said "screw it" but found we can't just walk (float) away from family like so many others.

I know what you mean. We didn't "walk away" but we aren't there as much as we use to be and there is resistance from the relatives. Part of the price of going against the grain I guess.

SaltyMonkey · 15-06-2010, 12:29

Hard to do it, Therapy. Must be even harder when you are a couple.

Ahnlaashock · 15-06-2010, 13:04

Six grands, one playing in the floor behind me as I type.

cdennyb · 15-06-2010, 13:27

I cashed out my retirement fund and rolled it into a currency trading forex account. Now I can (attempt) make money while cruising. The real estate took a small hit but I said screw it too. Just finishing up the loose ends now, will no doubt make a buy later this year or early next. Then it's off to anyplace buy now.

SaltyMonkey · 15-06-2010, 13:36

Ahnlaashock - one step further on land! :O

SaltyMonkey · 15-06-2010, 13:38

cdennyb - you are a lot more along in your kitty! sounds like you have a strong shot at it.

Ahnlaashock · 15-06-2010, 14:02

I make no bones about the fact that without my grands as an anchor, I would be off in the wilderness somewhere.
The grands are definitely at least one more step onto dry land for me.
One of them is crying piteously in the recliner behind me, every now and then, peeking to see if it is working on gramps as I type.
They are more like 6 steps and a fence for me, at least for today.

Takamoana · 16-06-2010, 16:55

That’s us, had a longer term plan and got the opportunity to make it shorter. Resigned, selling current boat and are off to France next month to collect the new one. We plan to cruise back home the longest way we can find.