I've been reading these
forums for a few weeks, and I know amongst the whole of the group you have seen most of what can happen in
boating. The question above is more complex than it might appear, so grab some coffee and let me set the context for what I am asking.
I'm a mid-fifties guy in the Midwest, Info Technology guy from way back. Lucky enough to have a stable job and expect to retire with a decent pension in a decade or so. In reasonably good
health for a non-athlete. Not currently a
boat owner, but I did once have a friend and co-worker who had a
Sea Ray Sundancer 270 down on Lake of the Ozarks, and I probably spent 10-12 weekends there cruising around and sleeping over. Had a great time doing it, but never had the disposable resources to dedicate to that hobby, and eventually he moved on to another job and
sold his
boat. I did spend some time on motorcycles doing some long-distance touring, so I know how to travel light. I have some mechanical ability but not the inclination to make a hobby of that either.
A few weeks ago, I happened across WaterWorld on cable . . . yeah, sorta stupid
movie, but I always enjoy the first 10 minutes. Always liked Trimarans and at least the idea of sailing, and so I picked up my computer and started looking at boats for
sale. As I was looking at this stuff, a plan began to take shape in my pointed
head; when I retire, I could sell my stuff, buy a decent boat and
cruise my way through
retirement. I started reading stuff about sailing, watching YouTubes, and came to this forum.
Now, I don't know a thing about boats, really . . . the experience I've had is trivial, beyond the fact that I really enjoyed being on someone else's boat, and that the 2 best days in the life of a boat owner are the day he buys the boat and the day he sells it. However, the idea of sailing in
blue water really appeals to me, for lots of reasons . . . probably some of the same reasons that motorcycles did. Or, this may just be a short bout of temporary insanity and I'll get over it in a few months.
In any case, given the circumstances I find myself in, there's really no way I could buy a boat and really start doing something like this for 10 years. I could go into the circumstances, but no one but me might find that entertaining. There are sailing
classes here, and I could get some time under sail in the summers maybe, and get some certifications before then, but to get on the ocean sailing is likely 10 years away. I have read a number of stories, here and elsewhere, about older guys and couples on boats; most of these guys, however, say they've been on boats since before they could walk, and the economy of action gained thru years of experience is not
lost on me. What I am thinking of doing may be a thing that could be done, but probably shouldn't.
So, here is the real question. Given that sailing is a somewhat physically more rigorous pursuit than simply
motor cruising, have you met people that have done what I am considering doing and been able to become decent sailors in time to be able to enjoy some years on the high seas before the inevitable sets in? Financially, I think I could get this done, but physically, I'm not sure I'll have enough left to do it. I am talking about a
live-aboard cruising lifestyle on a sailing vessel just starting out at age 65.
Tell me if this is a crazy idea.