The former Otago Boys’ High School pupil and Dunedin sailor began his bid in late November to become the oldest and fastest person to sail non-stop and solo around the globe.
But a few days into the journey, the 80-year-old University of St Augustine founder, physiotherapist, real estate investor and adventurer had major problems — mostly electrical — as he neared Bermuda on his new French-designed, German-built yacht.
"Sometimes circumstances accumulate to a point where an unwelcome but wise decision must be made."
He is planning to mount another attempt in October 2018.
In a blog, Dr Paris said he tried to fix Kiwi Spirit 2 in Bermuda but the problems were extensive.
He has since sailed the yacht back to his dock in St Augustine, Florida, and repairs to his power generation, usage and monitoring equipment had begun.
"Then there is the entire electrical system, including the less important refrigeration that needs recalibration, and finally some work still to be done on the autopilots.
"We also found that with much of the weight removed from the bow (anchor, chain and bow thruster), we might have contributed to the squirrelling of the yacht under way, and the extra work and thus power consumption by the autopilots.
"As a private pilot, I understand weight and balance and now we must apply that to the yacht. All is in hand — there is plenty of time."
Once the repairs were completed, he hoped to compete in "a race or two" as part of his training schedule.
"Yes, I shall try again, but as likely or not, I will sneak out early one mid-week morning, as another spirited send-off (22 boats last time) is just a little embarrassing to this three-time loser.
"Do remember that the reason I quit in Bermuda was to get things right — just too much power loss and not enough being generated to circumnavigate."
