Senior Plans To Smash Morgan Record
A 74-year-old New Zealand born physiotherapist plans to become the oldest person to solo circumnavigate the globe – from Bermuda back to Bermuda — and hopes to make the epic journey in four months.
Dr. Stanley Paris [pictured] is attempting to beat the 150-day Bermuda-to-Bermuda record set in 1986 by the late Dodge Morgan at age 54 on his cruise yacht “American Promise”.
Dr. Paris, who has completed the world championship ironman triathlon in Hawaii and has swum the English Channel twice, having a cruise yacht specially built for his voyage.
It was designed by New Zealander Bruce Farr, based on specifications given by Dr Paris, and is now being made at the Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding Co in Maine.
“Being a physical therapist steeped in issues related to safety and ergonomics, I developed an owner’s brief that would define comfort, safety and ease of handling,” Dr. Paris told New Zealand’s “Otago Daily Times” on February 8.
“A circumnavigation, above all, tests the boat, as well as the skipper. At my age, it would be impossible to mount a successful challenge if the boat were not designed for speed, sea kindliness, safety and ease of handling.
“After all, being in my 70s is not like being in my 20s.
“Now, I like to enjoy a cocktail and relax watching the boat go fast and easy.”
His yacht, “Kiwi Spirit”, will be 63 feet long, with a retractable bowsprit, lithium ion phosphate batteries; wind, solar and water regeneration; three comfortable cabins and an all-electric galley.
In effect, it will be an environmentally friendly boat, which will circumnavigate the globe with no gas, diesel, propane or butane engine or generator.
Dr. Paris has lived in Florida for the past four years, where he founded the University of St Augustine.
He has circumnavigated the globe with a crew, but this would be the first time he has attempted the voyage solo.
He will make the record attempt in November, 2013, at age 76, and hopes to complete the voyage in about 120 days.
