Lyric discussion by gcm 

Cover art for Cool Change lyrics by Little River Band

I think this is just about his amazin love of the ocean and sailing. He uses sailing his boat as an escape from his problems in life.

The song is also saying something along the lines of the sea/water/ocean is his only true love, "I've never been romantic And sometimes I don't care I know it may sound selfish But let me breathe the air"

that's just my 2 cents