Charles Williams, polite and charming, is known at the Dockyard Marina as one of the most respected and popular yachties around.

This talented yachtsman, retired at age 57, is an expert sailor and very helpful and kind to all of his neighbours.

If you are unsure about a particular bay or how to get some place in your boat Captain Chas will help you chart a course.

If you have a problem with your engine, he is wise enough to give you intelligent suggestions based on his marine experiences.

He takes seamanship very seriously, although he is a lighthearted fellow.

If you are unsure about your horn signals, this is your man. He can instantly rattle off: "If turning to starboard, sound one short blast, if turning to port sound two short blasts and if you must reverse sound three blasts to announce that your engine is in reverse. If danger signals are required use five or more blasts,'' he would advise.

Mr. Williams retired from the British police force in 1990 and then worked for a law firm until he retired in 1996.

Today he describes himself as a professional boat husband, and recreational sea captain. He does most of the cooking, shopping and cleaning.

"I did an Indian cooking course from the college prior to my retirement and I prepare most of our meals with rice and vegetables. They are low in fat and very healthy. One of my favourite dishes to cook is chicken and cashew nuts.

We entertain a lot so I make the curry mild or wild depending on the guests,'' he said.

His wife Kate works full time as a psychologist with children and adults. They both love their lifestyle of living on their 38-foot Island Trader ketch, `Pelican' .

They consider it to be a healthy way of life with little stress. After all there's no mortgage to pay, no lawn to mow, and their boat is very comfortable and well appointed.

"When I turned 50 I felt great! I had a great party in England with many friends and relatives in attendance. I don't think it had any particular impact on my family or me, as I was not depressed, but happy. I feel the same today,'' he advised.

Three of the most valuable lessons he has learned in life have been: "Firstly, be honest with yourself and your partner.

"Secondly, listen when people talk to you.

"Thirdly, envision a goal and pursue it.'' From the time he was eight years old he was in love with the sea and had a passion for sailing.

He grew up with a good life on the coast of Wales and had a small sailing dinghy.

"Since I was a young lad my dream has always been to live on a boat and I am very lucky to have a wonderful wife who is willing to share my dream.

"I am living my dream,'' he said in a mellow pensive voice.

During the evenings his pleasant singing can he heard in the calm of summer darkness.

While the stars glimmer and soft breezes blow, he gently strums his guitar and sings folk songs about the sea and other romantic notions.

Mr. Williams remarked" I admire people who are self-sufficient and take responsibility for their lives.

"I have met many role models during my life. Some I have only read about and others I have known personally. I have met many wonderful people in Bermuda and made many friends.'' Ten years from now Mr. Williams sees himself living the cruising life.

In a few years the couple will leave Bermuda and sail on to the Mediterranean, then the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean and hopefully discover New Zealand and Australia.

"I suppose I love Greece and the Greek Islands the most of the places I have traveled so far. The people are warm and so wonderful,'' he recalled.

"Living on a boat keeps you reasonably fit as you always have work to do.

Sailing requires skill and energy and we sail as much as possible.

"We love nature and watching the whales and other marine life.'' His advice to people is to reach for their dreams and make them happen regardless of aging. He says to think about your dreams when you are young and accomplish goals to enable yourself to live your dreams.

Mr. Williams is a big brother to Amaury Symonds, age 10, and is a wonderful role model.

He and his wife Kate have six daughters between them and four grandchildren.

"I have a passion for life and will be really sorry when it is over,'' he concluded.

Yes, the captain is aboard! Retired at 57, Charles (Chas) Williams aboard his yacht, `Pelican' . He is living his dream. Every morning he makes a pot of coffee and leisurely reads The Royal Gazette.

A local fisherman pulls fish from his net on the Chapala ladeside in Ajijic, Mexico. This area has attracted more than 10,000 retirees from the US and Canada.