Kiwi Spirit Tries Again

At a time in life when many 80-year-olds are considering buying a more comfortable armchair, Stanley Paris is headed for the high seas hoping to become the oldest person to sail fastest, non-stop and solo around the globe. The former Otago Boys’ High School pupil and Dunedin sailor has already made two failed attempts on his Bruce Farr-designed yacht Kiwi Spirit.

But this time the University of St Augustine founder, physiotherapist, wealthy real estate investor and adventurer has a new French-designed German-built 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 non-stop is 71.

“It’s possible my boat will not be as fast,” Dr Paris said. “But not to worry. Just completing the voyage non-stop 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 round-the-world voyage on or about November 18, 2017.

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Source: Otago Daily Press