If you’ve been following along on Sailing & Sunshine, you’ll know that Captain Mike (64) and I (a very youthful 63!) have been full-time liveaboards long enough to admit… things don’t work quite the way they used to. The knees? Questionable. The memory? Patchy. The sense of adventure? Still absolutely firing.
A few years ago, I read a brilliant article on “geezer cruising,” and now that we’re creeping up the age ladder ourselves, I thought it was time for our own update on what cruising feels like now — with a few more wrinkles, a lot more wisdom, and the same big love for life on the water.
Here’s our honest take on cruising when you’re not in your 40s anymore (and definitely not trying to pretend otherwise!):
1. We’ve Had to Admit Our Limits — With a Smile
There’s no shame in saying “Nope, that’s not happening today.”
On land, it’s easy to gloss over what’s getting harder. But living on a boat? The boat exposes everything. Balance, strength, patience… all tested before morning coffee. Everything takes a little longer and seems more of a mountain than a molehill.
“Need to buy drinking water today” takes a mental mind shift before we get to the physical. Launch the dinghy, get in, and hope the bloody thing starts. Get to land, get transport to shops, reverse the procedure, lugging heavy water canisters back to the boat. Upon arrival back at the boat, sit in the dinghy and summon up the energy to heave the water canisters onto the boat and then lift them down into the boat itself. Store, collapse in saloon, down a beer as a reward. (Our watermaker is on the blink, Project number 32).
Once we accepted our limits like adults (fine… reluctant adults), life got easier. We adapt, adjust, slow down, and laugh at the bits we forget.
2. Bigger Boats Are Great — Until Something Breaks
Electric winches, bow thrusters, a windlass that hums like a dream… beautiful stuff.
But if any of it quits? You’d better be able to handle the manual version.
Recently, a friend reminded me their windlass died mid-season, and they ended up doing the anchor shuffle the old-school way. And yes — it made them rethink whether “bigger is better” really applies when you’re the one hauling the gear.
On a quiet Sunday afternoon recently, when we happened to be in a tidal lagoon which we could only leave on a very high tide, our inverter overheated and blew up. At the time, nothing was charged, not the computers or cell phones we use for navigation. Essentially 100% stuck, well 98% as one phone had a bit of battery life, so we could rapidly access tides and weather window to leave the lagoon and get to land to buy another inverter. We sat for 3 days with no internet, no computer time, we actually had to TALK to each other! Luckily, the inverter was under warranty, and we borrowed one from a fellow yachty until the new one arrived. We subsequently bought the one we had borrowed as a backup, so we can at least charge devices if this ever happens again.
3. Mechanical Advantage = Pure Gold
These days, we HIGHLY respect the power of leverage. More purchase here, longer handles there… basically turning into that couple who gets overly excited about a really good block and tackle system.
Whatever makes life easier? We’re all in.
4. A Watermaker Is the Best Crew Member We’ve Ever Had
As I mentioned earlier, our watermaker is taking a break until we get some very costly US $$$$$$ parts flown in. However, it would be at the very top of my list (a washing machine is a close second) if I were looking at buying a boat and cruising for long periods of time. No more lugging heavy jerry cans like pack mules or moving anchorage just because the tanks are low.
Highly recommend for aging backs everywhere.
5. The Learning Curve Is Definitely Steeper
Once upon a time, we could pick up a new system or technique in an hour.
Now? Let’s just say the brain demands snacks and nap breaks. Plus loads of ” Ask Professor Google” time.
The good news: after years afloat, most of our routines are second nature.
The bad news: anything new requires patience… and checklists.
6. Speaking of Checklists… They Are Now EVERYTHING
We used to remember things.
Now we make lists about making lists. My checklists have checklists. I like writing everything down and have journals filled with crap everywhere. Sticky notes simplify things, write it, slap it somewhere visible and in your face every time you pass it, chuck it when the task is done (or when you feel guilty that you haven’t done it and that sticky reminder irritates you).
Labels on equipment, reminder notes, alarms for simple tasks — all part of the new normal. If anyone reading this is over 60 and still relying purely on memory… please teach us your ways.
7. Our Cruising Pace Has Slowed (And Honestly? It’s Lovely)
We no longer sprint around new anchorages like over-caffeinated tourists. As we have slowed down and no longer jump around on deck like energizer bunnies (did we ever?), we have found that our metabolism has slowed (isn’t that a lovely diplomatic way of saying we were packing on extra pounds?) and now take a Mitolyin supplement daily. That, plus an attempt at the Keto diet, has controlled midsections that were starting to spread alarmingly!
We explore slowly, savour more, and spread tasks over days instead of hours.
We cover fewer miles — and enjoy them more than ever.
8. We Spend More Money on Convenience — and Zero Regrets
Taxis instead of long, sweaty walks.
Extra hands during haul-out and coming into a marina. I always shout for people to catch ropes for me now instead of jumping off like an aging, decrepit goat and breaking an ankle (the fear is real!).
The occasional marina break when the weather looks grumpy. This one is priceless (well, not really, but the expense is worth it). A good night’s sleep when the wind is howling, and the water in the bay looks like a demented washing machine, does wonders for our aging minds and bodies!
You can’t put a price on safety and sanity.
9. Yes, Cruising Comes With Risks — And We Choose It Anyway
Being older and far from instant medical help is a reality. By the way, with Captain’s recent aches and joint pains, this product, Arctic Blast, was recommended to us and has been a lifesaver. Add it to your medical kit!
But the alternative? Sitting on land, wishing for adventure?
Absolutely not.
As Jimmy Buffett put it perfectly:
“I’d rather die while I’m living.”
And honestly… same.
So, Can You Cruise Into Your 70s, 80s, and Beyond?
Absolutely. Plenty of sailors do.
We’re only in our early 60s, and while we definitely feel the years more than before, we’re nowhere near done.
If cruising is your dream — or your lifestyle — there is always a way to adapt, adjust, and keep living your adventure.
Here’s to the older, wiser, saltier chapters of life afloat.
May they be slow, joyful, and full of sunshine.
Captain Underpants and Pirate Wench, Nikki.
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