Dr Paris — University of St Augustine founder, physiotherapist, wealthy real estate investor and adventurer — still hopes to become the oldest person to sail fastest around the world solo from Bermuda.
The record is 150 days, 6 hours, and the record for the oldest to circumnavigate non-stop is 71.
"More than 100 individuals have managed this feat, but the oldest is 71 years old and I will be 80 when I start later this year," he said.
Dr Paris’ first two failed attempts were on his Bruce Farr-designed yacht Kiwi Spirit.
Both ended in South Africa — the first because of failings of the deck fittings, and the second because of a complete tear of the mainsail.
For his third attempt, he commissioned a new boat, Kiwi Spirit 2, which is undergoing sea trials.
Dr Paris said the yacht was performing well and was much easier to operate.
"After two failures, just a year apart, I needed to lick my wounds."
Being retired, he questioned whether it was time to take it easy and enjoy life, but said he had never been one to give up.
He said so much had been endured and learnt from his previous attempts, that it would be a pity not to try again.
Kiwi Spirit 2 is a fast, short-handed cruiser, built in Germany and designed by French naval architects Finot-Conq.
He was confident the new yacht would encompass his needs as a solo sailor.
"I have this time put together a team consisting of my son Alan, and long-time sailor Steve Pettengill as the project manager.
"Steve is full-time in yachting and yacht repairs, and having sailed several thousand miles with me, he knows well how to make the boat what we call Stanley Centric."
Dr Paris plans to start his round-the-world voyage on November 14.
