THOMASTON (AP) — A Maine boat builder is launching a custom-built yacht for a Florida man who plans to sail it around the world alone.

The sleek, 63-foot Kiwi Spirit was being launched Thursday at Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding in Thomaston. The vessel is described as one of the fastest mono-hulled yachts in the world.

The boat was built for 76-year-old Stanley Paris of St. Augustine, Fla., who plans to use it on a solo circumnavigation beginning in November 2013. Paris hopes to complete the voyage in a record 120 days.

He also intends to not use hydrocarbons during the trip, using solar panels and small water-powered generators for power.

Paris, who has a home in Maine, was the founding president of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.