David Crosby opened up to the Wall Street Journal about his future plans and his struggle to keep the beloved schooner he hopes will occupy his retirement years.

In a nearly 800-word story that reads like a personal essay, the longtime Crosby, Stills and Nash member muses on his post-Byrds purchase of a 66-year-old sailing vessel called the Mayan. Crosby first sailed when he was 11 years old and claims he was a natural.

"Sailing alone in that boat for the first time was a transforming experience," he said. "I came back the next day and every day after that. Sailing became one of the main streams of my life."

The 71-year-old singer-songwriter said that even though "virtually everyone in rock 'n' roll has been on the Mayan," he didn't buy it to live the rock 'n' roll lifestyle. "Partying is not what the boat was about," he said. "The boat is higher than a party. Sailing sweeps you away, and a party seems pallid and shallow. The boat is a way deeper experience, especially on long trips."

But Crosby claimed -- because of a mortgage and other expenses -- he might not be able to keep his schooner. He said the boat has actually been for sale for years, but "my wife would break my arms if I actually sold it."

Crosby, who's working on a new album of original material that's due next year, concluded with some sobering news: "Look, I have maybe 10 more years, if I'm lucky," he said. "I have hepatitis C, diabetes and heart disease. I'm managing them. I'm going to the gym three days a week, I'm feeling strong and I can still make audiences feel great.

"My dream? One more tour with Crosby, Stills and Nash and my friend Neil [Young]. From there, I'd be fine. I'd be able to sail. I'd live. And I'd be happy."

More From 92.9 WBUF