You're only as old as you allow yourself to be, Mike. I had dinner last night with my friends Bob and Jan Rothman, ages 82 and 80 respectively. They just brought their Nordhavn 57 Emeritus down from Rhode Island, arriving about 10 days ago, and are enjoying the good life living aboard this winter in Fort Lauderdale. Five years ago Bob and Jan, with their granddaughter and grandson-in-law onboard as crew, crossed the North Atlantic (Fort Lauderdale-Bermuda-Azores-Gibraltar)in the same boat when they were only 78 and 76, and they had a great time doing it. After that, almost entirely with just the two of them onboard, they cruised the Mediterranean from Spain to Turkey and back for three years before putting Emeritus aboard a dockship in Palma, Mallorca, for the trip back to Florida. While in the Med, Bob personally took care of nearly all the maintenance and repairs Emeritus required. I've told Bob that he's my inspiration. At age 68, I'm probably qualified to say that he and I agree that living on and actively cruising a yacht does a good job of keeping active minds even more active. Moving around a boat, as one does while cruising, also helps on the physical side--I find I always lose a little weight while cruising and put it back on ashore. My wife and I spend about six months a year in liveaboard cruising mode, and we both find that it keeps us active and engaged. We have no plans to change our modus operandi anytime soon! Bottom line: unless you're seriously infirm or have a few cards short of a full deck, cruising remains an option much longer than most people believe. That said, get your experience early while it's much easier! While it can be done, I don't recommend beginning your boating career in your sixties or later. One guy's opinion! --Milt Baker, Nordhavn 47 Bluewater, Fort Lauderdale Mike wrote: If I may be so bold, I would like to ask how old all of you are who do these trips?. i.e., do my wife and I "still have time!" Thank you. -Mike "One September" Virginia Beach, VA>