Living on a Sailboat - A Fun and Frugal Way to Retire

Living on a sailboat may be an option for you to looksome basic skills
at. If you are contemplating retirement, and are looking· You can't get spare parts...some islands can
for a fun frugal way to do so, consider living on abe a customs hassle, but you can get what you need
sailboat.· It's not safe...not only did we not hear of
We did so for 8 years in the Caribbean. What did wepirates, we never had an uncomfortable situation
know about sailing ...not much, so don't let lack of· It's expensive...wrong, wrong...we spent about
knowledge or experience stop you.$1,000 a month and lived the life of Riley
We were introduced to sailboat living in a 4 hour shore· Hurricanes...during the summer we pulled the
excursion from a cruise ship that stopped in Stboat out of the water and went back to the US
Thomas. A 36 footer with 6 guests and captain andLiving on a sailboat is none of the above. You find you
mate.have a lot of company and the cruising community is a
It was love at first sight; we talked to the boat owners,tight knit bunch.
a young couple having fun. They gave us the initialAre you running out of objections to this great way to
push and 5 years later we toasted the cruise ships asretire frugally? You can do this.
they left St Thomas harbor from our cockpit.The lifestyle in the islands is just what you think it
So you don't need to have salt water in your veins towould be, very laid back...no one in a hurry. If you
enjoy living aboard a sailboat. You pick it up as you go.expect things to be done like they are at "home" you
We had a ball for 8 years, never leaving theshould stay "home". If you want to enjoy life
Caribbean... Venezuela to the Virgin Islands. You cansurrounded by locals who are 24/7, come on down.
do it too.You may want to visit some docks and talk to the
Myths about cruising:liveaboards . I bet you can find someone who has
· Pirates, never saw any, never heard of anycruised in the Caribbean. Pick their brain. Most cruisers
in our 8 yearsare friendly and helpful to newbie's.
· You have to be a great sailor...wrong... 99% ofLiving on a sailboat... a great fun and frugal way to
the time you are stopped and enjoying liferetire.
· You need to be mechanic to cruise...just