I've been trying to sell the boat for two years, but he only two couples interested didn't have any money.

I would take Carol with me, but she is in worst physical condition than I am. She had difficulty accessing the main cabin and finds it difficult to get on and off the boat, even at the dock. If I took her on a cruise ship, I would spend all my time pushing her around in a wheel chair.

One of the biggest problems in trying to sell the boat is the expense of owning a relatively large sailing yacht. Slip rent for the warmer months is $2,200, while winter storage runs about $800. Add to that the cost of insurance, maintenance and upkeep and you are looking at $4,000 a year if you never leave the dock.

Once you leave the dock, the costs are minimal. Just food, booze and ice and you can sail around the world on this boat if you wish - yes, it's that big. Of course, you will spend some bucks for entering ports of various countries, of which, Panama is likely the most expensive.

Now, my children do not want the boat, though I offered to give it to them. They don't want the expense of owning a sailing Yacht, and my son wants a boat that goes fast. The top speed of his powerboat is 50 MPH, while my sailboat's top speed is just 10 MPH.

My daughter's room mate said she wants to go with me on the shakedown cruise, and possibly sail to the Florida Keys with me in October. Carol said that's fine with her, but Carol will not be living on the boat - PERIOD!

Just another fun day in Paradise!

Gary