Captainslarty
(regular)
17/05/2008 16:13
What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Thought about this for a while.. was going to do a poll, but didn't seem appropriate.
Ok, I retired relatively early (Age 47 - Jayne age 41 - Molly -2) - we had LONG planned - around 10 years to be honest - to accomplish this. for us, the ability to do it at this age was -
Understanding to the best of our ability of costs.
accumulation of skills.
Lack of need of the material existence - only to be fair - by having been there ! -
The uk house price rip off - and the fact that I was in a very well payed job in the NHS with 23 years for pension - allowing me to take my pension at 50.. just kicked in... not a lot, but manageable and far preferable to the 'old' life.

we are not loaded.. don't have much in relative terms as capitol, but have a regular small income.

we would NEVER go back to the old world of cars, houses, jobs, accumulating and general society type bs and all it brings..

Anyways.. thats a very brief outline of our journey.

WHAT did you do ?? .. how.. (If you dont mind fessing up)

or, WHEN do you intend to..

how many make a plan and then let it drag on for years ?.

Its not about yotting in the great scheme.. or indeed sailing.. its a means to an end - for us .. its freedom, literally . from the past and its constraints..

where do you fit in ??.. if you aint done it... when and how ?.. what are the long term plans etc..

Hopefully it will help others in the same planning position..

It is more a state of mind than a true plan.. the state of mind allows the plan to work.. for us...

Joe n Jayne n Molly.

Morgana
(regular)
17/05/2008 16:31
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

going aged 50....

Been working on the plan for 5 years, and just under 10 years to go.... money going away each month, seen by us as untouchable.....

Will retain a house in the UK, which we will rent out to provide additional income...

All financial commitments are (intentionally) finished by 49 at the latest.... unlike so many of our friends we have no long term mortgage or other financial commitments taken out aged 35 that run until we are 60..... we have happily sacrificed the crawl up the property ladder to enable us to achieve this position.

From quitting the rate race, we'll have a long wait until the pension kicks in at 65, and it will be significantly reduced in value, but we'll cope with that....

We have a number of goals we've set ourselves.... we want to sail our own boat under the Sydney Harbour bridge.... we want to explore Greece properly... we want to visit the Pacific islands... we want to transverse the Panama Canal... we want to visit the Glaciers and the Fjords.... etc etc

We both think (at this point in time) that once we're on the boat, then we'll remain on it until we are too old to continue comfortably....

Abestea
(regular)
17/05/2008 16:48
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

I would like to retire between 50 and 55. I am just finishing off an engineering degree so i am going to have to examine what i need to do to achieve this in the next 15 years once i find a job.

Now if i could just win the lottery tonight......

curve
(regular)
17/05/2008 17:09
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

As soon as I have enough funds and assets to live comfortably without the need to work.

Current estimates put this to about two or three years time at which time I will be just past 40.

Tranona
(regular)
17/05/2008 17:12
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

In the middle of the "retiring process" that is semi-retired and finally leaving mainstream job later this year.

We planned 7 years ago by buying a charter boat in Greece so we could try out the life in little bursts each year. Took the boat over this year and will try a longer spell this autumn. So far so good. Do not intend selling up as should be able to cope with 3 or 4 years and then sell the boat.

After recent trip to boat, drove back through Europe taking a week. Got quite taken with camper vans which seem a popular thing for other oldies to wander around in enjoying the world!

Captainslarty
(regular)
17/05/2008 17:15
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Excellent, yes, the camper van. nice one. it is also a way to freedom, and that, is, at the end of the day all that matters...

enjoy my friend, enjoy.

Captainslarty
(regular)
17/05/2008 17:16
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Quote:

As soon as I have enough funds and assets to live comfortably without the need to work.

Current estimates put this to about two or three years time at which time I will be just past 40.



Not picking you out. but HOW do you calculate that ?.. its a difficult one. Sir.

curve
(regular)
17/05/2008 17:22
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?


Quote:

Not picking you out. but HOW do you calculate that ?.. its a difficult one. Sir.



I run my own business and have been stockpiling rewards in the form of savings, a few shares and some property. I estimate in another two or three years I will have enough funds in reserve to keep me going until the end of my days in the manner to which I have become accustomed.

jordanbasset
(regular)
17/05/2008 17:42
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Myself and Cathy are both retiring next year,being a gentleman I will not tell her age but I will be 49. Able to finance this through mixture of pension and property.

Would not describe myself as greatly experienced but have sailed off and on for 30 years,first love was dinghies then moved into bigger boats, but it has mainly been a week here, fortnight there and a weekend when I can manage it.
Thought we had pretty much decided on sort of boat we wanted, but Cathy has been seduced by catamarans so we will need to check a couple out to see if they will be suitable. Although I have been in a number of different types of mono hulls my only experience of cats are hobie 16's, great fun but.... This is my prejuduce as reading the threads here it is obvious from owners of cats that the larger ones are stable etc etc just not sure. Still we still have 13 months and it is right to check out all the options.

Was planning to buy in the med but with currrent exchange rate am now seriously looking at the U.S. Appreciate there will be extr costs, but you seem to get an awful lot more for your money and I can get to sail the caribbean before coming back to the med

Good thread - Neil and Cathy

Captainslarty
(regular)
17/05/2008 17:44
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

This is a very intersting one (for us) .. ie - the manner in which I have been accustomed"..

I submit, that that they may limit things, jeeeeez, dont get me wrong.. i am not an expert, just doing 'it'...

but, imhe.. the things you list are oft the things you gladly do without.. and, keep you from doing what you want to do in the first place.

so, what things that you have do you NEED to be happy. - I USED to need 4 k a month in my hand and Jaynes wage.. now delerious on 500 squids. ... dont MISS anything..

WHAT do you expect or need in your current thinking.. ?

curve
(regular)
17/05/2008 18:00
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?


Quote:

WHAT do you expect or need in your current thinking.. ?



I want and will expect to get my current level of living when I retire. I can't live without dining out, electronic gadgets, foreign travel etc

The only difference for me when I retire would be owning my own boat instead of chartering one with friends as I do currently. I don't intend to liveonboard permanently but I am hoping to do lots of long cruises so it will be semi-live nboard.

Morgana
(regular)
17/05/2008 18:28
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Wow.... I'd be 140 years old before I could afford to leave on those terms....!

We're aiming at £1k a month, and from our budget calcs reckon that we can live a pretty darned fine lifestyle on that amount.... perhaps less so in the med, but like kings in other places.....

For me personally, one of the things I am looking forward to is getting away from 'needing' the latest gadgets... and another is finding fresh local produce and eating both cheaply and handsomely.... (I do love to cook!)

Captainslarty
(regular)
17/05/2008 18:32
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

No probs Curve. IF you dont intend it being your primary home, and want to use it as a holiday resort, fine, more power to yer elbow.. we USED to dine 'out' all the time.. but it is so, so underated.. you find, wothput the complications of 'modern' life that time is actually on YOUR side.. you can COOK.. you can plan.. its more hte getting used to the fact that time is the thing you sought and payed for, and now.. well, it the thing you have surplus of. its a difficult concept.
The idea of 'dining out' is so naff now that we just dont do it... we can spend a day planning and cooking and still have TIME to spare.

Again, each to their own..


One word of advise if I may.. what you consider importnant and life changing NOW.. will oft' fade to insignificance in the future... be prepared.. many of the things you value are simple escapes from the the life you have persued.

When.. and if.. you realsie your goal.. they will be as boring as taking the kiddies to the park.

anteak
(regular)
17/05/2008 18:40
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Retired 8 years ago at 47. Sold house (which has now doubled in price but so what!). Bought lovely £100k boat in Mallorca and lived happily on army pension, no debts and a little bit in reserve.

6 Glorious years in Med. Spit up with wife. Split assets. Got new woman. Going to do it all over again next year when she retires - apart from, hopefully, the splitting up bit.

Lessons learned:

1. Buy the smallest boat you can live on, not the biggest you can afford. The cheaper the better. No gizmos, spend the money on fun.

2. Don't listen to the doom mongers (especially on ybw).

3. Divide everything you hear in bars by three.

4. Don't give a toss about health - Que sera sera.

5. Carry only 3rd party insurance.

6. It is not what your income is, it is how you spend it.

Finally, do it as soon as you can and don't look back. I am already running out of time and my six years seems like six months. Just be happy and glad that you have the balls to do it in the first place - many don't.

KellysEye
(regular)
17/05/2008 18:58
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

We left the UK at the ages of 48 and 54. We both resigned from well paid jobs. With no pension until at least 60 we've relied on income from renting a flat and a house in London.

Strangely, although our annual income is tiny compared to what it was, we don't feel badly off. No business clothes costs, cheap fuel costs, no poll tax, no commuting costs, no road tax, no car costs, minimal electricity and gas costs, food cheaper, booze cheaper etc etc. And above all nobody telling us what to do and charging us ever more tax for the privilege of doing so.

susyrosyworzy
(regular)
17/05/2008 19:07
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Yeah, Kelly - I learned that on my four month trip,now a frightful 2 years ago - cheap and that wonderful escape from officious officials and paperwork. I'm off for a month to do the same again - same boat, same skipper, sameish area. My only sorrow, if you can be quite so melodramatic, is I never found that special man to sail away with.

S x

curve
(regular)
17/05/2008 19:09
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Quote:

When.. and if.. you realsie your goal.. they will be as boring as taking the kiddies to the park.



But that is one of the best things to do in the world. Even though they are my nephews and not my own I love spending time with them even if it is just to take them to the park.

And personally I refuse to retire unless I can still keep my chaffeur, house keeper and gardener.

ps And we have to dine out cos my partner and myself are terrible cooks so its either the chip shop or one of the fine eateries in Brighton.

Ham_n_Jam
(regular)
17/05/2008 19:11
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

..I've had my Pension projection come through. I can retire when I'm 108........

JamesFrance
(regular)
17/05/2008 19:13
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

The first time I was 31, had started a business which made a profit, but Dennis Healy was threatening to take it all away. We sold the big house, the Jag and Sunbeam Tiger and bought a boat.

After 2 years we went back to the business as the kids needed schooling.

Margaret Thatcher destroyed the business, so we did some serious work for little reward until I was 56.

We then managed to retire, did various boat and camper van things and now have a house and a smallish boat.

I am now 70 and hope to have many more years of doing what suits us.

curve
(regular)
17/05/2008 19:14
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

I wonder if it is possible to sail away on just the state pension. Let's assume you already have your boat and it is set-up ready to go. Could you survive on just the state pension amount?

Morgana
(regular)
17/05/2008 19:21
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

thats what? £76 a week?...... doesn't sound very feasible to me.... I gues you could survive, but while i'm not looking to live a life of luxury and excess, it does sound a bit on the light side.....

LadyJessie
(regular)
17/05/2008 19:22
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

I did decide in my early thirties that I needed to go sailing and leave the professional office life as soon as possible. It was just a means to an end. I set my goal at 55 years and started to set up pension plans accordingly. Then my father who had run his own business until he retired at 74 years of age, died just one year later. It reinforced in me the idea that early retirement is a good idea. I managed (thanks more to good market developments than any skill on my part) to secure enough funds to retire at the age of 48. In hindsight, the best decision I have ever made. Everybody who has retired early will tell you that their only regret is that they did not do it earlier. I know several 'early stoppers' here in the Med and we have the our shared slogan: "retirement is wasted on the old". So true.

Captainslarty
(regular)
17/05/2008 19:27
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ! suzy..

such a sweet thing... you WILL find it.. but you need to be out there..

Captainslarty
(regular)
17/05/2008 19:39
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Jessy, I BOW. ! seriously..

For an accountant, you are the sodium chloride of the earth,,, would love to offer ya a beer...

any time dude, me fridge is always cool

Tranona
(regular)
17/05/2008 19:40
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

I've spent a big chunk of my life travelling and still enjoy the journey as well as the arrival. Perhaps not suited to giving it all up and changing lifestyle completely. Therefore aim to maximise enjoyment on a number of fronts. Really enjoyed the Ferrari museum and spending two days in Bugatti land, but best of all standing on the pitstraight of the old Reims circuit early on a Sunday morning and reliving some of the images of my childhood memory. Not sure it beats going through the Alderney Race with the tide under you or finding the entrance to Lakka harbour on Paxos after a brisk sail from Mourtos but for me variety is all.

So much to see and do!

Captainslarty
(regular)
17/05/2008 19:49
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Indeed.. whatever rocks yer boat..

and.. it dont NEED to be a boat.. its a way out, a path to slef imposed freedom from control and a life that mostly you dictate..

go for it.. enjoy

LadyJessie
(regular)
17/05/2008 19:50
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Slarty; would love to have a beer with you. When are you finally going to get into the eastern Med?

havent_a_clue
(regular)
17/05/2008 19:56
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

(Sigh!) It's not going to happen for me. I think the best I can hope for is to spend as much time as possible day & weekend sailing with maybe a trip to the Med. It's the wife - she's not sailed before and needs 'room' - and I doubt she'll change, I mean, occaisionally (spelling) she throws a wobbly and says 'lets just emigrate or get out of here, I can't stand it' but the next day she says 'it's a lovely house, we're so lucky'. So I don't think she'd go for anything less than a 40 footer with ALL the trimmings, whereas myself, I think I'm a closet agorophobic and like nothing better than something small and well designed and thought out, where I can just shut out the world. And yet, I love wide open spaces - when we toured the Western USA, she got very bored with me saying 'wow look at that, isn't it fantastic' etc whenever we topped a rise and another 70mile wide flat desert valley with cactii and a ruler-straight road disappearing into the heat haze. As for pension, finance etc, well, we'll probably end up with the state pension and a couple of SMALL private ones. We don't have kids (just didn't happen for us), but we will have our house and hopefully whatever sailing boat we own paid for, so I guess we won't be too badly off come age 60. She wants a small property on the south coast which can be rented out during the winter months and a small place on either the French Atlantic coast or the French Med. I could live with this IF she'll agree to sail between the two. But I guess I'll always long to slip lines and sail off into the wild blue yonder, so unless she decides she just LOVES sailing and living aboard a 30 foooter, I suppose it'll be back and forth between France and the UK. I couldn't do it without her, 'cos I love her so much, so I'll settle for what I can get, soory about the spelling, cant see the keybord.

curve
(regular)
17/05/2008 19:58
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

But that is a great compromise. You do get to sail a lot more and you do get to stay with your soul mate.

Captainslarty
(regular)
17/05/2008 20:08
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Absolutely agreed, and in THAT you are lucky..

Most wake up and see the after effects in later life without makeup and wonder what they married.. I envy you,, as I am sure do many others.

trouville
(regular)
17/05/2008 20:16
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

You can live aboard on a small budget we have several challenged liveaboards who.With £300 PM can live well providing you dont buy ANY thing for several months.to AF you can visit the canals!!only good for one season though

During summer you can anchor quite well today if your a social type. There are still a lot of free places for less than 8m & 1.10 draft or 2.20 beam

You need a kit for the economically challenged to use internet and a guide to eating

Once the summers over providing you havent visited cafès bought equipment you will have 2000 euros saved!!

Now you can relax a bit enjoy winter in a free or very inexpensive port free is mostly better as its near er towns and life with markets shops & other distractions

You will be able to work in town or on boats or internet?? IF not your £300 will keep you with enough to eat out well! or join evenings for those challenged to find a way to use there money or those economicaly challenged point

As your aboard & in the med (wouldn't recommend the Atlantic its a bit expensive over all 12M & chilly) you must be a bit "able" and will very soon find lots of income??(relativly) thats ive been told someting i havent learnt how not to burn your money in freezing fear misery before reterning to the med.

You realy dont need much to be very comfortable happy & content

Remember always to have about 2000 euros to hand for what ever

mike_bryon
(regular)
17/05/2008 21:58
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

We sought out a different solution and decided to go sailing without being superannuated. Four years ago with young children the prospect of retiring to sail, me at 45 my wife 36 was beyond our means so we reinvented ourselves and instead found ways to earn a living that would sustain the sailing lifestyle. We gave up the day jobs (my wife taught at a university I ran a couple of businesses) and we gave up the house, mortgage, car, running to stand still sensation etc and resolved to find a mobile way of earning a crust. Now I write and my wife teaches languages (she speaks five and when we arrive somewhere places adverts in the local paper etc). It has taken a few years to complete the transformation and it took some adjustment but now retiring for us would mean stopping what we want to do rather than starting it. so I hope I never retire.

Jock89
(regular)
17/05/2008 22:15
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Great subject again Cap'n.

suzy...I've been here all the time, waiting for you.! Where've you been.?

This is probably something that most of us have wondered about over the years, from time to time, I know I have,...i.e...all you ever wanted to know about other peoples incomes, but were too afraid to ask.!

In the early '70s I used to wander down to the Durban Yacht Mole & see who'd just arrived & go & have a chat. I used to say to my mate...we could be doing this you know.! We could have split everything 2 ways as well but he was never interested in yachts like I was & I couldn't afford a yacht on my own in those days, so had to abandon the idea, then in later years divorce-lost the house,etc...had to start all over again.
Well, I started making some much better money a few years ago, & and being single again...every Pound was a Prisoner. So here we are, & after a bit more essential equipment, my boat will be ready soon. It's been quite a sacrifice to get so far, (i.e..through working for other bloody people.!) and I've already spent about 150% of the purchase price & not finished yet.

It's taken me 30 yrs to actually make it happen, & apparently I'm now 65, (but going on 40) or so it says on this piece of paper-but there's obviously been a mistake.!
But boy!.. am I ready for this.!

If I'd made better money 30 yrs ago I'd have bought a boat then & my future would have just had to take care of itself.

That's just me though, I've never worried about what the future holds for me, I've never been on a 'career path' or owned a business. I fully expect to manage fine on the government pension, I don't have expensive tastes & I cook quite well now, & if there's an attractive 18-to-55 yr old female out there who'd like to join me, give me a call.!.

"All shall be well, & all manner of things shall be well.!"
Jock

Searush
(regular)
17/05/2008 22:54
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Retiring from work is easy. Retiring from the other ties; family, friends, lifestyle habits etc., is the hard part. You need to want change more than what you already have.

If one's current lifestyle suits, change is then a poor option. Nothing will ever run smooth all the time, but, by & large I am happy with what I have - semi-retired, sadly a long way from the sea, but happily close to my kids & grand children.

Oh, and good thread Captain, thanks for an excellent, thought provoking question.

Abestea
(regular)
17/05/2008 22:55
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Ok, just need to check my situation so i know what i need.

Boat......................................... Check.
Boat set up for long term............ Ongoing.
Hot female sailing girlfriend........ very missing (offers considered)
Financial independence.............. missing

No problem:P

I am going to try and make it happen as soon as possible.

I think the biggest problem people must have is knowing what to do to continue to work and earn money while sailing off into the sunset. I have not got a clue what i could do to earn money while on the move.

CentaurPipedream
(regular)
17/05/2008 23:05
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Have set 55 as the latest to go. Financially should be possible. All I need now is a bigger boat and a woman

ironmaiden
(regular)
17/05/2008 23:08
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

well I'm hoping to re-write Annie Hills book on doing it "cheap". to the point that I'm going to make her look like a multi-millionair.... I'm building my own steel 32 footer, on which Nat and myself are going to just take off to where ever the fancy takes us... we dont need all the cr*p and trappings of todays society. you slog your guts out by working 3/4 of every day. then spend 90% of what you earn by giving it to income tax, council tax, road tax, insurance and all the other drivel that you don't really need,....... ya carn't even watch all the cr*p that they keep repeating on tv unless you pay £100 and odd quid a year to do so....

The saying "get a life" springs to mind.......

we are, she's called "simunye" and we carn't wait to get her finished and launched.

I'm 51 and I feel that I've missed used abour 30 of those years .....but then hind sight is a wonderfull thing.

Rach.

anteak
(regular)
17/05/2008 23:17
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Quote:



Most wake up and see the after effects in later life without makeup and wonder what they married



I presume you are something of a young Peter Pan for you to make that comment!

Watch it! You are initing a flaming from the gentler sex. Don't spoil a perfectly good thread.

Tranona
(regular)
17/05/2008 23:38
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Great Saturday night thread that captures the variety of the human condition. In some ways I envy the "sod the rest of them" attitude but it isn't for everybody.

Tomorrow my wife of 40 years and I will leap into our Morgan and visit our children / grandchildren for Danny's 4th birthday. Add that to all the boaty things and you would rightly think "what a lucky B*****D".

Just pray it doesn't rain as we don't do hoods!

jordanbasset
(regular)
18/05/2008 07:29
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Suzy this surprises me,from your blog you are an intelligent, funny,attractive woman. Who would not want to get to know you better, and you love sailng wow ! If I was single I would be asking to meet you now x

trouville
(regular)
18/05/2008 07:58
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Living aboards not very different to living in a house.You will furnish your house according to your wishes & pocket aboard its the same.

Id like a Furono?as the display looks great in the shop,but i have a Garmin 120 because its a great user friendly affordable and fits the boat well,i did upgrade to a 126 but thats gone.

We spent several days last year once again choosing material to cover the the cabin and forward sitting & sleeping cousins(thats how spell checker spells them)then sewing backing material on and fitting them in the warm autum sun useing two sewing machines!

There arnt many woman about small boats as im "only a man"i cant say exactly why woman dont always make boats their first interest?However from what ive heard & seen men/skippers finding themselves in stressful situations shout at the crew?in port the boat can become to small & hot

I myself have had woman aboard that thought i shouldent drink Gin i disagread & spent the next week by myself!Another time Gin again i returned aboard in the pouring rain having been away all night.Id learnt to listen by now even though i felt like death woman very often give good advice even if it dosent seem so at the time

Ive met all my girlfriends in town never near a boat,they all look at the boat as if they wish it wasent,it then depends on how well you get along together,its wonderful for both when you find someone you really get on with.

On a boat honesty & openess is the only way there isent room for anything else never pretend to be what your not.

Always take a boat you can aford as unlike a car it will be your home,never incure debt.As you sail about you will very soon be know the sailing community's very small!!What ever skills you have will also soon be known & sort,no liveaboard should ever find themselves without means

If the cruising fund dips because youve just bought a "new" secondhand main & almost at the same time a tender & GPS you will soon find income standing in as a TEFL teacher antifouling(in season)or sewing a sun shade or repairing sails for someone else

In the case of near disaster forgeting where youve left your boat buying another which sinks & then is lost & finaly being given a wreck will strengthen ties with your woman providing you both work at the cleaning untill she tells you to do something else and leaveit to her

A times when you seem lost a woman will be a tower of strength she will guide you support you and protect you in return they ask to be listened to treated with respect and love

very quickly a boat allows you to choose your surroundings to some extent you can decide to tie up to a canal or anchor in a safe bay choose an Island Corsica Sardinia for example but where exactly will depend on either your pocket or location or safe secure anchorages or place to tie up on a canal

Today i have promised my girlfriend to sand & varnish a table then were spending the rest of the day together walking along the river then drinking a coffee in a cafè??

Anyone that wants to liveaboard can i will take a while to see whats best for you the boat you leave in even if sailed ofter at weekends may in the end not be the one you want to live aboard and cruise with

Squeaky
(regular)
18/05/2008 08:07
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Decided during my first year in the Army that I would try for maximum rank in minimum time giving me maximum pension to retire after 25 years - ended up with maximum rank after 19 years 2 months and left in 1977 at age 42. Flew to UK and bought boat (27 footer) and have been Med ever since although I now have a much modified Dufour 29.

Had pension of £300 per month for 17 years before cost of living increase kicked in. Used to divide monthly income by five and spend 20 % weekly leaving fund accumulate for larger expenses. Divided weekly sum in two - half for domestic and half for boat. Worked well.

Eating on board is much better then "dining out" and far, far cheaper. Used to eat out on Sunday if there were any funds remaining but not a big deal

I read many threads which seem to plan on retiring on their home grounds where expenses are high - head for some place less expensive which probably means out of the EU area - maybe Adriatic or Turkey.

Work is usually available but it takes time to find or for locals to learn of your skills and develope trust in you. I have done everything from working on construction site to managing a flotilla company including delivery and charter skippering using skills I did not have when I retired. Secret is settling for a while and getting to know locals letting them know you are interested in working. Of course, if you are a loud mouthed prat you won't be offered anything.

Have now settled in a fantastic marina with all mod cons at hand in Turkey working on web sites which is as much fun as sailing used to be but after 29 years even that became boring.

PM if any specific questions.

Cheers

Squeaky

Jeannius
(regular)
18/05/2008 08:08
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Planned to do at at age 51 due to happy coincidence ( can't spell serendipixxx) of mortgage being paid up and daughter leaving university in the same year. Sadly due to daughter taking too long at university and Gordon's regular raids on pension funds I'm still working.

But, in 6 days time at the age of 53 and 364 days (or is it 365 as it's a leap year), the end of full time employment arrives and the start of 'retirement' begins. I won't be entirely without work as I'm going to skipper my boat on charters out in the BVI. I don't think that will feel like work though.

caroldevon
(regular)
18/05/2008 08:23
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Well, I'm in my early 50s and planning to set sail next spring. This year is a "get to know the boat", do some local cruising and fit her out for the longer term (oh and finish my medical treatment).

I separated from my hubby three years ago (or rather he b****ered off with my friend!). He wasn't interested in sailing (one flotilla holiday was enough to put him off for life). Within two months I was out with my brother sailing in the Caribbean - supposedly as a "recuperation" holiday, but completely got the sailing bug! Started to dream about the liveaboard life and a new man to do it with...

We sold our marital home (divorce settlement) early last year and I was faced with a big decision... buy another house, go back to work to support the lifestyle, and continue looking for my "prince" with a boat.. or... sod the house- spend some of the sale proceeds on a bluewater boat and make plans to go off anyway, prince or no prince.

As it happened, I met up with a new friend through sailing who has also just got divorced. She too had dreams about a man and a boat. Several late nights and bottles of wine later, she decided to join me on the journey. She's going to rent out her house- the boat lifestylewill be supported in part from her rental income and part from the remainder of my savings- and we also plan to develop our artistic talents and set up a floating art gallery. Maybe also massages, refloxology etc. but time will tell!

BTW, We have had lots of discussions over what happens if and when one of us does meet "the man with (or without) the boat"- we resolved that we needed two completley separate cabins and that we'll just have to be discreet- but trying to plan for every eventuality is silly... otherwise we'd never get on with it.

Anyway- bought the boat (and rechristened her "Wild Bird" - she was called Fair Game, but ... two women on boat called Fair Game... ??!!). We're just getting to know her...having great fun, and just starting to move things aboard with the intention of partly living on her from the summer... then off next spring.

(PS. We'll wave at you, Centaurpipedream- hope to come and wave off the boats starting the Jester Challenge on the 31st- have a friend also doing it.)

chockswahay
(regular)
18/05/2008 09:51
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Me and Mrs Chox did the sell up and sail thing in 2004. I was 47 and she was 40. We bought the boat, re-fitted as required then set sail early 2005.

By Feb 2007 we had returned to UK and back to a 'normal life'

I am happier now than I have ever been. Fantastic job, great salary, money in my pocket, see the kids any time.

We will return to sailing in a few years time but even then it will not be 12 months a year. I really think that there is more to life than just boats.

One big down side to a web site like this is that it is TOO EASY to be carried away on a crest of a wave.........'go for it'......... 'life is too short' ........... 'you only live once' .......... 'life is a rat race' ........blah blah blah......

Well maybe so, but I think many people are running from something, a life half lived perhaps.

Life is what you make it, how about being happy with work?

So then, hard hat on, ducking for cover



eastcoastbernie
(regular)
18/05/2008 10:15
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Really interesting reading. I am truly amazed that so many people plan for retirement at such an early age. I have been so busy with keeping a roof over my head and raising kids I've barely given it a thought.

Until recently. I've toyed with the idea of renting house and sailing off to somewhere warm and living on a combination of the rental income, my microscopic pension, the state pension - when it kicks in - my paltry savings and whatever I might earn by doing odd jobs.

I don't think it's the low income that's holding me back. By what's been said by others in this thread it seems my instincts are correct and you can survive on very little. What's holding me back is the balls to actually do it, and the concern that I really wouldn't want to do it on my own.

It seems from reading the thread that most liveaboards do so as partnerships.

Captainslarty
(regular)
18/05/2008 10:44
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Hiya Chox, well done, if you are happy, you have found the answer to life the universe and everything..
I realised many years ago that, instead of 42, it was simple - be happy.

So, nice one.

As for running away etc.. it really does take all kinds to make a world as they say.. thank gawd we are NOT all the same.
I think many do run away - but not in the sense of being unable to cope, quite the opposite..
you are born into a pre dictated path to a certain degree.. onw which society tends to control. Some, are not prepared to live in that specific society. me included. its having the bottle to get out of perceived security and try something new. many people find that all they wanted was to get away from social control and standards - advertising, accumulating and inevitable debt.

This life offers that for many.. for some, it doesnt. Personally, I NEVER had a 'normal' land based job I could honestly say I enjoyed.. yes, I had moments of fullfillment.. as a Paramedic for 14 years in earlier life it was mostly dealing with dross and brothheads, but occasionaly you felt you had made a difference.. saving a life is a most rewarding experience, unfortunately, it doesnt happen often.. I hate kids lol, but, assisting in a difficult birth is a memory to treasure.
Round peg sqaure hole is a good analogy for many.
I also suppose it can be 'in your blood' and that can be a very powerful stimulant.
I was lucky enough to be born into a lifeboatman family - Spurn Head 1957 - dad was crew on the humber lifeboat and we lived in the lifeboat cottages.. was playing in the sea as a tot.. after attempts at normal life mom n dad moved to the Isles of Scilly in 1968 where I spend my teens, and again spent most days on the sea.. ie - at 14 years old going out before school to check dad's lobster pots and long lines - same after school.
That certainly gives you a love of the sea that never left me.. even onto fishing out of Newlyn in the winter and working the island boats in the summer.. then the Navy etc..
After many years of 'normal life' I knew what I liked and didnt.. so here we are.. happy as larry.. The thought of going back to bricks n mortar and all the ties is simply not in the equation


Many thanks to all the respondents on this thread.. thak you for the openess and honesty shown. Hopefully it will help many if they want to do this.. or at least give food for thought.

Joe Jayne and Molly..
Capt'n S. Master under god of the good ship Ruddles.

susyrosyworzy
(regular)
18/05/2008 10:45
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Absolutely the same reason, Bernie - when I went to France to look at canal boats, it seemed pretty dull to mooch around on my own. And I certainly wouldn't sail on my own - the idea with canals was that at the least, I could swim for the shore!

S x

Ian_Houston
(regular)
18/05/2008 11:05
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Quote:

our shared slogan: "retirement is wasted on the old". So true.



Well Lady Jessie, I hope it's not a given! Our retirement plans had to await both the arrival of state pensions and staying put to enjoy the early years of four grandchildren from our three daughters.

Now, Jill (65) and I (67) , are heading for the Eastern Mediterranean at the end of May. Neither of us has eons of sailing experience, although I have crewed for a number of years, more recently taken the RYA Yachtmaster theoretical and Day Skipper practical, and Jill has taken competent crew practical.

We've had a shake down sail from the Medway to Falmouth two weeks ago, with a mixed bag of weather and sea conditions which, hopefully, have shown up any major glitches. Now we are waiting for a sensible weather window, and the arrival of our delivery skipper - to guide us through the next leg of our journey, to Biscay, Gibraltar, and to Mediterranean Spain. After that we're on our own!

At our advanced age(s) I guess we'll never get to be real seamen, but we both love learning new skills and meeting new people: so if I find retirement is wasted on me I'll come calling on you and demand a dram.

Daipal
(regular)
18/05/2008 11:15
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

I am planning to retire in 4 years time at 57. A ripe old age compared to some of the posters, but I actually quite enjoy my job, I live in a beautiful village in the heart of Somerset in a great house that I have spent years extending and developing and see no mad rush to disappear over the blue horizon.
My plan then is to sell up and buy a fairly large boat, as my wife suffers a little from claustrophobia and I would never get her on something confined below, do a leisurely circumnavigation and then live aboard in various places around the world. My wife will not do the oceans, but she wants a motor home to explore Europe in while I and the boat are anywhere out of sight of land.
We will not be particularly well off, but I will not need to worry if I want to go into a marina or eat ashore occasionally.
I do not see it as an escape, but just the next adventure. I have travelled widely, both by sea with 8 years in the merchant navy and to remote parts of the world particularly the Himalayas and Andes. A lot of people seem to see a life living aboard a boat as somehow opting out of the pressures of everyday life. I just want to enjoy the experience. I am not being critical and I hope that those who do liveaboard and those who hope to liveaboard find what they expected and hoped for. I also hope that it will be up to my own expectations.
Best of luck to all of you.

gdallas
(regular)
18/05/2008 11:44
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Cool thread, a bit of soul-baring going on.....

Money really isnt the question for a lot of people, though I agree it can be for some. I am 51, always wanted to sail more,but had a partner who was just not into it (maybe a function of other problems/issues?). But now divorced, a lot poorer but I have a great boat, even if not the ideal long term cruiser. If I'm honest, I have 'enough' money, equity in the house a little bit of savings etc. Even doing it the simplest way ie total cash/life expectancy in years I could do a bit better that Trouville's numbers ( ! )

But there are other questions. I have 3 kids, youngest is 13 and no way am I going to disappear just yet. I have a very vague idea of working towards a date some time ahead, but this is a bit scary as I just had a knee cartilage operation that wasnt 100% success. Is it all downhill from here?

And how much fun would it be to do it alone? That I think is a worrying thing. After a fairly unhappy marriage I am quite happy on my own for now, but not sure if thats always going to be so.

And the real bagger is that for probably only the second time in my 30 years of working I am really enjoying my job. Poo. What I really need is another 50 years....

Not really a complaint, just that its not always so simple. We do have the choices. It's choosing one that is hard.

Simes
(regular)
18/05/2008 12:21
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

We are both still working. Don't see the oppertunity to stop working. No pension to speek of, so we go where the work is. Nita is a very good Special Needs Teacher, I am a Chef, Boatbuilder, RYA Instructor, One or the other of us is allways in work, either on the boat or on a contract. Just had to do it NOW!
Still in the UK as soon as we get a contract else where, then off we go.

Simes

Jock89
(regular)
18/05/2008 17:38
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

My 2.nd post into this thread I'm afraid but just had to come back again as I'm finding this so interesting.!

As I'm still working in stinking Cairo all this talk today from you folks either already off cruising or hoping & planning to go soon, has triggered a feeling in me that I can only describe as 'heart-sore'.
I miss my boat & I want to go.!

I so desperately want to stop work & get out there & meet up with fellow cruisers all over the place & start enjoying life again that today...it hurts.

Not so sure that any of us are 'running away from something', but I AM running out of time.!

I can't wait to get away from all the rampant commercialism, consumerism & corporate greed of modern day life, but can't, as I still have a few more things to buy for the boat.!!!
Jock

Slow_boat
(regular)
18/05/2008 18:08
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

In my twenties I used to sail for a living but it was unfair on my then wife to come home and find a note 'On a delivery. Back in 3 weeks' or whatever. I moved inland in 1982 in a bid to settle down, get a proper job and make the marriage work. I never read a sailing magazine, went to the seaside or anywhere near a boat from that day on. I joined the police (as near to a proper job as I could stand) and we had two sons, followed by a divorce!

Then I met SWMBO. Life rebuilt despite heavy CSA payments. I started painting and one day bought Sailing Today just to see how the shadow should go on a sail. I rang SWMBO and said 'You know how I always said we'd sail away one day. Well, it's not a dream, listen to these prices. They haven't gone up since I was a kid!' When she came home she wanted to sell up and sail immediately. I was very tempted but my sons were young and lived with their mum.

We did a weeks charter in the Med, she loved it and I remembered how to sail. Then a week in the western isles in the rain in May and she still loved it.

Since then, we've bought a boat to sail in the UK and plans are well afoot to retire at 55 (or less) I'm 50 and can retire in just over 2 years, daughter is 16 so should be able to look after herself by then, we'll have a small house or flat in the UK and a boat of 30-36ft to sail until we're bored. My pension should be about £1,000 a month so we should be comfortable. We 're not very materialistic, we enjoy our own company and the company of others for short periods. We hardly ever go out for meals etc and live pretty much hand to mouth now, so that won't be a change! As I told my daughter, I've spent the last twenty five years trying to conform. It doesn't work and I can't wait to be free to be me again!

There are so many places we want to go; Round Britain, Iceland, St Petersburg, the French canals, Turkey, North Africa, Guatamala, the Panama canal, Bermuda, the Gulf of Mexico, the South Sea islands, NewZealand. The list could be endless!

Maybe we'll last six weeks, decide it's not for us and then pack it in. But at least we'll have tried!

The worst thing that could happen is for a grandchild to arrive on the scene. That could well stop us from going.

jordanbasset
(regular)
18/05/2008 18:29
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Your absolutely right to go for it, you have the boat and some one to sail with, what could be better. If people wait until everything is lined up and ready something else will go wrong. Sometimes you do have to take the plunge, that is not to say we are not happy at the moment. In fact today we had a great day looking at boats at Conway, lovely walkfollowed by a good meal, we are just ready for the next phase of our lives - take care and best wishes Neil

jordanbasset
(regular)
18/05/2008 18:31
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

You seem to have had a great life so far and moving on to doing something else again now - fantastic.

anteak
(regular)
18/05/2008 19:01
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Age is just a number. Assuming reasonable mobility it is attitude which counts.

A few years ago, wintering in Gozo, the next boat was manned by a liveaboard couple. He (80) She (78); boat 25ft, no frills. They spent a whole day lugging provisions and water in preparation for their onward trip to Tunisia.

Probably one of the cheeriest couples I have met.

Have faith in your own ability. You know more than you think.

Troutbridge
(regular)
18/05/2008 19:55
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Just retired at 55. Spent waay too much on the boat, but wtf, it's home! I have a budget of £700 per month, bit tight if you include insurance. Sold up in the UK/Guernsey, bit strange saying cheerio to old friends/family not being too sure when I'll see them again. Solo at the moment, but who knows? Planning stops in NZ, not because I plan on settling there but because I'll need to take a breath. I have a planned itinery but plans are there to be changed

LadyJessie
(regular)
18/05/2008 19:55
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Quote:

'Retirement is wasted on the old'. Well Lady Jessie, I hope it's not a given!

No, of course not! I hope you noticed a 'tongue in cheek' comment here. But it has a serious side; You are the standard, most people wait until they reach retirement age of 65 before they set off. What I just wanted to point out is that there might be a lot of opportunities for you to set off earlier and that everybody who has done that are blissfully happy that they did.

For me personally: I think it is a better idea that I ride the oceans of the world now that I am in my early fifties than when I get into my seventies. Then I would probably rather sit in a nice a garden in the south of France..... or would I still cross the oceans, who knows? In this way I know I have already done it and can stop if I wish to. It is a lot harder to start up something new when you are getting older, lets be honest about that.

OliveOyl
(regular)
18/05/2008 20:10
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Quote:

As I told my daughter, I've spent the last twenty five years trying to conform. It doesn't work and I can't wait to be free to be me again!





So right - I've spent the last 30 years trying to be good corporate person/wife/mum, al of which were "me" at the time. Am now in the process of discovering another "me".
Recently involved going off solo to sailing school in Greece, bit scary at first, but the start of a whole new future.

susyrosyworzy
(regular)
18/05/2008 20:22
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Quote:

Quote:

As I told my daughter, I've spent the last twenty five years trying to conform. It doesn't work and I can't wait to be free to be me again!





So right - I've spent the last 30 years trying to be good corporate person/wife/mum, al of which were "me" at the time. Am now in the process of discovering another "me".
Recently involved going off solo to sailing school in Greece, bit scary at first, but the start of a whole new future.



You'll absolutely LOVE it - scary is part of it! I've had probably the best, most selfish, most fabulous time of my life in these last two years, all the better for having been completely unexpected. And it STILL goes on!!

S x

KellysEye
(regular)
18/05/2008 21:25
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

You are right it is interesting.

One thing I would add is it's the toughest thing we've ever done - from ocean gales to walking miles to find shops in 90+ temperatures. And it is true that cruising is boat maintenance in exotic places.

However, I'm most certainly not trying to put people off - it's tough but very rewarding, we're having a great time. The other truism is that the first year is worst, there is so much to learn, but hang in there it gets better every year.

The one mistake we made was that we really wanted to go ocean sailing and we sailed over 5,000 miles in our first nine months. Pointless if you are long term cruising and we were seriously tired.

BigNick
(regular)
18/05/2008 21:37
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

Quote:

Have set 55 as the latest to go. Financially should be possible. All I need now is a bigger boat and a woman

You can pay the bills for both of mine, if it will make you feel better !!

to be serious, I have two big issues with this thread. Firstly, its a bit depressing reading everybody elses plan. I keep saying I will work for another 10 years, but Ive been saying the very same thing for about 5 years on the trot! Never been very frugal or thrifty, always worked on the 'enjoy it while you can' theory, so still have a significant mortgage to be paid off.

Bigger issue is that we have actually come to the conclusion we dont want to live aboard. Its a bit like taking a job in sailing, like a YM INtructor for example - sailing ceases to be a hobby. Living aboard seems to involve carting so much clutter around the world, it becomes difficult to just pop out for a weekend which I find so enjoyable nowadays.

Finally, friends who had spent 5 years aboard in the WI had to be medi-vacced back to the UK - followed by boat on a ship 9 months later. Fortunately they retained a property the could move back to, .... selling up and sailing off would be just that bit too risky, for me.

scarlett
(regular)
18/05/2008 22:33
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how.. ?

I was made redundant at 52 and got an 82% net of salary pension plus a lump sum for a boat. Bought a suitable 25 ' boat three years before because I saw it coming.

Go out on the boat between 3 and 7 months a year, kept house [ all houses cheap and done up with DIY and no mortgage] and 14 year old car, family and friends. Eat out cheaply about once a week. Live well on fresh stuff and happy.

Now 13 summers later my pension is bigger than my old salary plus I get another £ 151 a week from the nation including £54 for a dependent wife [ Claim before 2010. The dependent wife scheme finishes then for new entrants and for me in 2020]

I sailed the boat to Greece via the canals and I am now on my slow way back before the dream of sailing in Greece got destroyed. People who are there will know what I mean .

I met my wife in 1999 and we married in 2002. Before she came out to the 25 footer I swapped it for a 30 footer with hot water and a shower. [ Buy the smallest boat your wife will tolerate otherwise you will become a boat maintainer rather than a retiree]

You have to do everything possible to do it if you want to because you never know when something beyond your control will stop you, eg the 11th of September or 7th July incidents.

Note: Worry. If the country is populated by lots of people like those represented here how are those paying NI etc. going to afford it. In 1996 terms I got much more in the lump sum than I paid in contributions throughout my career. Now the state is giving me another £8k a year. Where is it all coming from! That is not a question.

It is not taxes as I pay so little - but maybe they will come for me soon.

Life is great.

DuncanMack
(regular)
18/05/2008 22:57
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Bernie

Quote
"What's holding me back is the balls to actually do it, and the concern that I really wouldn't want to do it on my own.

It seems from reading the thread that most liveaboards do so as partnerships."


Post picture of boat please

Seriously tho, Happy Birthday!

SeaVenture
(regular)
19/05/2008 05:44
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

We retired in January--ages 63 and 59, taking off next week. It's hard to believe, but we're finally...well, almost...ready, and will be finishing up as we head to sea, probably locking down the last cupboard. Our government pension is very modest, augmented by small rents from property. We can't wait

nickrj
(regular)
19/05/2008 13:34
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

This my be a curious question: But are there any people that don't intend on retiring? A lot of succesful businessmen, artists and creative people etc, work right up until they die - Not because they necessarily have to, but because what they do is who they are, as opposed to the majority of people who just work their jobs counting the days down until they can stop? Ie. their jobs are simply means to an end (which is pretty unfortunate really).

Personally, I'd be bored out of my mind sailing around, sitting in harbour until I kicked the bucket... I've been on the water now for 7 months, with no money, and the entire time I've been figuring out ways to do it - That has actually made half the journey. If I just set sail with $10,000 in my pocket, while I'd have something nice to eat and probably a bigger boat, I think something would be seriously lacking... This lack of comfort and money has kept me on my toes - My head is constantly in overdrive thinking about how to get to the next port... And that's kind of exciting in a weird way.

This probably sounds a little funny, considering the number of posts I've written saying 'holy cow I've run out of money what do I do now?' However, that being said... Somehow, I write to you from English Harbour in Antigua... nick.

TigaWave
(regular)
19/05/2008 14:49
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Totally agree with you Nick, I've had long breaks between jobs. Three years break and I usually want to get back to some constructive work, it's never been a financial decision as I've always been able to pay my way as I cruised, sometimes as you've done on a small budget!

It works for me.

Jonny_H
(regular)
19/05/2008 15:27
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Agreed - we have 15 months planned starting soon (60 days and counting) and then back to work (ableit in Australia!). I'm sure we'll do more in the future but at 26 I feel I'm a bit too young / poor to retire permanently. (But if the lottery numbers come up this week I may change my mind )

Jonny

susyrosyworzy
(regular)
19/05/2008 16:04
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

I'm not altogether sure I'd call what I do 'retirement', more like new directions in my life?

S x

Morgana
(regular)
19/05/2008 16:09
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Thats an interesting perspective... the way I see it, the boat is like a house that needs a lot more maintenance that your average semi, so almost a full time occupation!

Most non-sailing retired folk I know complain about endless lists of DIY... so maybe its quite similar!

susyrosyworzy
(regular)
19/05/2008 16:12
Re: What AGE are you planning or indeed DID retire... and if pos.. how

Hm, yes indeed, Neil - I'm usually so busy, doing lots of different things, I use the ole joke - I need a job for a rest! I'm off with Jack again for 6/7 weeks at the end of July (I bought the ticket this morning, so he can't change his mind!).

S x