what do you do when you can't sail anymore?

[jen1722terry]

We don't really worry about the day we can't sail any more. . .

As long as we don't have to sail any less.

Seriously, we're not that old, but do have some vision issues on the horizon for both of us. A rock will surely tell us when it's time to either stay ashore or look for invites to sail on others' boats.

Cheers!

[Niall leslie]

- Someone once said, a long time ago, that true leisure is having the ability to just sit and think or appreciate things without feeling guilty about doing so.

- Many people have difficulties with deciding what to do as they age for two main reasons. One, they haven't made alternative plans for what they want to do and two, they have put other things such as work and families before their own interests so that, decades on, those interests are no longer there to be explored.

- Many times people claim to want to do various things but they really don't because of the consequences of actually making a decision to persue their wish.

Cheers,

Niall.

[Zoidislander]

At age 75 went to the "DarkSide", and purchased a trawler. In the PNW, and AK we were motoring most of the time anyway.

[zengirl]

Keep your boat and just become a live aboard. Much cheaper rent and no gated communities to deal with. You can do that easy on soc sec.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by Hudson Force

Mike OReilly mentioned the advantages of not owning property or other major items other than his boat and Wolfgal mentioned the importance of a strong loving relationship of a couple sharing goals. I believe these two factors; the freedom of non-ownership and my great fortune in finding a young lady 50 years ago, who was willing to commit to the dream, were essential to our long term cruising.

I'll add my to yours and Wolfie's focus on a strong relationship. I focused on the 'need an exit strategy before starting' question because it just seems odd to me. Planning for the future gives the illusion of control.

But if our OP is facing a choice between life at sea vs a long-term loving relationship, there really is no choice. In the end -- in all our ends -- it is not what we've done that matters. It is who we've done it with.

This is not just me babbling. This is based on the best long term psychological studies of real people. Strong relationships truly lead to "the good life."

Like Hudson, I am blessed with a spouse who fully shares this crazy life. She's not just a passenger, or an "admiral". She's a full partner. I wouldn't sacrifice that for anything.

[sail sfbay]

Originally Posted by Mikentosh

I can't help but wonder what the exit strategy is for many full time sailers. Do you plan to sail until you can't? Once you can't sail anymore what will you do? Social Security checks? This is what I'm thinking about before I start my full time sailing life at age 55, where will I go once I can't do this anymore?

We plan to sail as long as it if feasible and fun!! If we cannot sail anymore we will fall back on other hobbies, like camping in our fifth wheel trailer, hanging around our home landscaping/building stuff, traveling....oh and yes picking up social security checks, which we do now. We ask why wait until 55 to start full time sailing?..........sailed for 40 years with the family and during that time had power and sail boats and windsurfers, often at the same time and while we lived on a 56 foot Spindrift motor yacht we had a ski boat in the delta, sailboat in the bay and boston whaler dinghy on the motor yacht for excursions (and that was while working). That was fun deciding which boat to be on that day.

[SV__Grace]

As an old guy who never wants to give up my boat and return to land, here's two of my favorite books related to this topic-

Call of the Ancient Mariner: Guide to a Long Sailing Life

That Good Night: A Novel
This is a fiction book about an elderly guy who busts out of a nursing home to buy a boat and go cruising. Great story.

I keep these two books on my boat at all times for inspiration (proof attached!).

[dennismenace111]

After twisting my knee on the companionway ladder a few weeks ago, and enduring the slow healing process that a 71 year old body deals you, Im giving serious thoughts to a small catamaran... I see myself sailing another 5 or 6 years... if this virus thing doesnt catch me. Then, sail the boat and be a burden to my kids...

[Hoodsail]

you've a ways to go at 51...Jeanne Socrates just completed her 2nd or 3rd solo, unassisted, non-stop circumnavigation at 77yo...
But in answer to your question....if you cant get to your coffin as Jim describes, then two options:
1. Be a Viking - take your boat offshore & sink it
2. Be a Native American - walk off into some wilderness with nothing and keep walking
As with many things in life, the devil is in the detail.

[conchaway]

You'll go to Fiddler's Green.

[ilanortho]

Build detailed wooden ship models;some beautiful kits are available.

[Larry Florida]

Originally Posted by Mikentosh

I can't help but wonder what the exit strategy is for many full time sailers.

This is what I'm thinking about before I start my full time sailing life at age 55, where will I go once I can't do this anymore?

You a didn't even start yet. Don't wast time thinking about meaningless scenarios. More than likely you will pack it in by 60.

You're welcome

[Max Nankervis]

Having had a boat for 65 years, and some form of yacht for 55 years, since last week I'm boat-less - and intend to remain that way. But I'm still in a state of shock! nevertheless I've got plenty of other pursuits, even in Corona lockdown time. But, yes, I'll mourn. But there comes a time........

[Bruce Lewis]

Time will look after that!

[Saleen411]

I was expecting totally different responses like....

Take up golf.

Buy an RV

Buy a power boat

Travel

Go on cruise ships

Move to a retirement community and play bingo a lot

Take up the swinging lifestyle.

Unless I skimmed over it, didn't see too many "post sailing" hobbies.