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Deciding to retire is not always an easy decision, but what’s even more tricky is deciding what your long term goal is after retirement and how this affects your cost of living. The average age to retire is mid-sixties. But, thanks to healthier lifestyles and diets, the 60s have now become the new 40s. Experts also say that those who reject beliefs about being old are happier and healthier. Simply put, there’s no reason not to do the things you love just because you’ve retired. Retiring on a sailboat could be for you!
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbour. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
If you’re planning on lifestyle change or looking for adventure, have you considered retiring on a sailboat? Buying a yacht and sailing around the world, or choosing a destination where you can live aboard, could be the best decision you ever made.
While there are costs to consider when buying a yacht, living aboard is almost always cheaper. Firstly, the upfront cost of purchasing a boat is less expensive than buying a house. Secondly, you need less when you live on a yacht, so your living costs are considerably reduced. There are no more electricity bills, garden maintenance, car payments or water bills. All you need is paid for upfront, and at a reduced amount. Furthermore, with a bit of research, you can pick and choose the cheapest destinations to live aboard your boat.
You’re never too old to learn, so don’t let your lack of sailing experience put you off. If you think sailing is for you, get out there and try some group sailing lessons. Or charter a boat with a skipper to help you learn the ropes. Once you’re convinced, you want to make sailing a way of life, apply for your skippers’ licence and start chartering boats on your own. In no time, you’ll have enough sailing hours under your belt to feel confident about owning a boat yourself. And in the meantime, you would have gained a better idea of the types of yachts you prefer.
Believe it or not, despite being a significant lifestyle change, countless couples have retired on sailing boats. There are so many online community forums you can join to ask questions, get advice and find out more about the lifestyle. Everyone in the sailing community has similar experiences, from contending with the weather to engine breakdowns. You can easily find a supportive fraternity among fellow sailors. Also, age becomes irrelevant. It’s a community where the young learn from the old, and the old learn from the young. Most importantly, the friends you make through sailing will become lifelong as you share a common passion and yearning for adventure.
If your ability to keep balance is sound and you’re reasonably fit, you can sail. Plus, time on the water will keep you fit and agile. There is plenty of fresh air and deck work is ideal for general fitness, but planning and navigating will keep your mind sharp and focused. And the best thing you can do for your brain is to keep learning new things and challenging yourself. When preparing for your trip, get into the habit of doing exercise that increases your flexibility, stamina and strength. Or visit a physical therapist who can tailor an exercise routine you can do when at sea.
Gone are the days of using an almanack, compass and sextant or battling winches in gale-force winds and risking being swept overboard. These days sailing technology has become extremely advanced. Now you have a GPS that will give you the same level of accuracy governments use. And gear like electric winches and automatic dinghy lifts, which makes sailing easy without needing additional crew. When deciding on which destinations to visit or choosing the boat that suits you, make sure you consider the latest equipment to help make your sailing experience easier and more enjoyable.
Many people think living aboard a yacht is cramped and uncomfortable, but you’ll be surprised at the space inside an intelligently-planned boat with fine-tuned ergonomics.
Let’s talk about space. The Knysna 500SE is a 50 ft sailing catamaran and by no means cramped. The internal arrangement can either be a 3-cabin or 4-cabin set up and fitted with plush carpeting or marine floorboards. The main suite is complete with bath or shower, TV, desk and vanity space with plenty of natural sunlight through glass windows. The saloon is equipped with a gas hob and oven, stainless steel microwave, double sink and generous cupboard space. The galley is the perfect entertainment area with a wine rack, option for a flatscreen TV and stereo system.
Our boutique building approach lets you customise your yacht to your personal preferences. We also offer a 2-week training window on your yacht upon delivery at no extra charge.
To view our catamaran range, contact us for an appointment today.
