Sailor seeks world record at age 80

AT a time in life when many 80yearolds are considering buying a more comfortable armchair, Stanley Paris is headed for the high seas hoping to become the oldest person to sail fastest, nonstop and solo around the globe.

The former Dunedin sailor has already made two failed attempts on his Bruce Farrdesigned yacht Kiwi Spirit.

But this time the University of St Augustine founder, physiotherapist, wealthy real estate investor and adventurer has a new Frenchdesigned Germanbuilt yacht — Kiwi Spirit 2 — and hopes his ‘‘third time will be a charm’’.

The present record, from Bermuda to Bermuda, is 150 days, 6 hours, and the record for the oldest person to circumnavigate nonstop is 71.

‘‘It’s possible my boat will not be as fast,’’ Dr Paris said.

‘‘But not to worry. Just completing the voyage nonstop will make me, at age 80, the oldest to have done a successful solo.’’

Both of his previous attempts ended in South Africa — the first because of failings of the deck fittings, and the second because of a complete tear of the mainsail.

‘‘I am naturally nervous about what we might have overlooked — what spare part or repair material we do not have on board, what repair skill I do not possess.

‘‘But that nervousness is starting to give way to excitement. I have been here before — twice in fact.’’

Dr Paris plans to start his roundtheworld voyage this weekend.