Retirement at sea: more within reach than you would think

A life project, not a leap of faith

Living aboard in retirement doesn't happen by chance. Those who've done it will tell you: success depends less on sailing ability than on solid preparation. Testing life aboard before committing, building up experience through cruises of one to several weeks, sailing at night, learning to manage short-handed — these are all essential steps to find out whether this lifestyle is truly right for you.

The question of crew is just as important as the choice of boat. A retirement at sea is something you share. If you're setting off as a couple, your partner needs to be just as committed as you are — not simply willing. This is a whole new life you're building together.

The catamaran: the natural choice for long-term cruising

Among all types of sailboats, the catamaran stands out as the natural choice for anyone considering a life aboard over the long term.

The stability of twin hulls makes daily life far more comfortable: you cook, sleep and move around without the constraints of a heeling monohull. Interior volumes are generous, natural light is abundant, and spaces are well separated enough to give everyone their own privacy.

Another decisive advantage: the shallow draft of catamarans opens up anchorages that deep-keeled boats simply can't reach — coves, lagoons, secluded beaches. And twin engines add an extra layer of safety when maneuvering short-handed.

On a Lagoon catamaran, these qualities reach their fullest expression: interiors designed around life aboard, ergonomics that make short-handed sailing genuinely manageable, and that seamless flow between inside and outside that turns every anchorage into a moment worth savoring.

Which Lagoon suits your retirement? Compare models and find the one that fits your plans.

The 6/6 approach: the best of both worlds

Pack it all in and live full-time on the water? That's one option. But in most anchorages, the majority of retired sailors have found a different balance: six months at sea, six months ashore.

The exact split varies — two months of sailing a year for some, eight months for others — but the principle is the same: enjoy life on the water without losing touch with life on land, family, friends, medical appointments, and everything else that matters.

This approach also has a practical upside: it allows you to leave the boat in secure winter storage during your months away, and come back ready for each new season.

What budget should you plan for?

The cost of living aboard depends entirely on how you choose to live it. What's certain is that boat maintenance is a recurring and structural expense: insurance, annual haulout, wear-and-tear parts, occasional marina fees. The widely accepted rule of thumb is to set aside around 10% of the boat's value each year for routine upkeep.

On top of that come everyday living costs: food, fuel, communications, travel. Depending on your cruising style — free anchorages or marinas, local restaurants or cooking aboard — the numbers can vary widely.

For those planning ahead on the initial investment, Lagoon also offers dedicated financing solutions — as well as a selection of pre-owned catamarans for those looking to get started with a more controlled budget.

Ready to take the plunge?

Configure your Lagoon in just a few clicks and picture the boat that will define your retirement.