By The Associated Press

The man rescued from a disabled sailboat off the North Carolina coast is responding to critics of his story, explaining that he avoided sunburn and blisters by staying in the vessel’s cabin and that he survived by rationing food and water.

READ MORE: Coast Guard rescues Conway boater who was missing at sea for 66 days

Louis Jordan’s statement, issued Monday, says he stayed inside the cabin to keep dry and avoid sun, wind, waves and sea spray.

Jordan also says he set up a makeshift mast with a small sail to get the boat headed in a westward direction.

He says he rationed food and water and kept his calorie expenditure low.

Jordan was spotted by a German-flagged boat Thursday, more than two months after leaving from South Carolina. Coast Guard crew members who retrieved him said they were surprised by his appearance and overall health.