So said former Dunedin resident Stanley Paris yesterday as he officially began his second and final attempt at solo circumnavigating the globe.
The 77-year-old departed City Dock at St Augustine, Florida, at 10am (4am yesterday NZ time), and was already making good speed across the Atlantic.
He is headed for Bermuda, where his world record attempt will officially begin.
He aims to break the Bermuda to Bermuda record of 150 days which was set by the late Dodge Morgan at age 56 in 1986, as well as the fastest solo circumnavigation record from China to China, which was completed last year in 137 days by Yuan Chang.
At the very least, if he completes the non-stop voyage, he will set a record for being the oldest person to solo circumnavigate the globe, and will set a record for being the fastest person to sail from St Augustine to St Augustine.
Dr Paris - a physiotherapist, wealthy real estate investor and University of St Augustine founder and adventurer - was forced to abandon his first attempt earlier this year after equipment on his yacht Kiwi Spirit began to fail.
Since then, he said, anything that could be repaired and corrected had been repaired and corrected.
Before departing yesterday, Dr Paris said additional winches, the latest chart plotter, more safety hand grips and a better sense of the challenge had left him feeling more confident he and the boat were ready.
''But I'm aware that unlike in running a marathon, where success is, say, 95% up to the runner, in my case it may be only 20-30% up to me, as the boat and luck will play a big hand.
''To all who follow this voyage, I know you wish me well. Be assured, I intend not to disappoint.''
Kiwi Spirit was towed out of the harbour to the official start line, about 1.6km off the coast of Florida, because the yacht's engines were sealed and the bow-thruster was removed.
The official start of the voyage was monitored by the World Sailing Speed Record Council.
After reaching Bermuda, he will head south towards South Africa, through the Southern Ocean, around Cape Horn, past St Augustine and back to Bermuda.
''I am aware that only one attempt in three have succeeded and that this is my second and final attempt - final because life is short and Google only gives me 9.2 more years.''
