by Ray Jason
For more than a decade I have been promoting a concept that I call The Sea Gypsy Tribe. The idea is that Humanity is living in an increasingly chaotic world with the possibility of extreme catastrophes looming just beyond the stormy horizon.
I firmly believe that the best way to escape from any type of emergency, is in a well-prepared, ocean-capable sailboat, along with a small group of like-minded sailors in their boats. During the last 10 years at my blog, in about a dozen essays, I have carefully described various disasters and then explained how sailing vessels can effectively respond to them.
My sincere hope is that none of us ever have to deal with such extreme situations. It would be terrific if none of us ever had to react to a currency collapse or a cyber attack or a balloon armed with an EMP! But a wise, old mariner once advised me to “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst!”
Since I receive inquiries from cruisers all around the world, I decided to collate together the many reasons that I believe the sea gypsy life is ideal in shielding one from natural or human-caused disasters.
Therefore, I am creating this Sea Gypsy Tribe Encyclopedia. It will be spread out across a few essays. Initially, I will randomly choose the topics for discussion, but eventually, they will all be alphabetized like an encyclopedia. But don’t be alarmed – it will not be some massive tome. Instead, it will be a longish essay divided into a few segments. Let’s begin!
*******
F FINANCIAL COLLAPSE
The dangerously interconnected global financial system has been barely remaining afloat for several years. Most honest analysts agree that the debt in the sector is so massive that it can never be repaid.
All it will take is for a few major banks to falter, which will lead to cascading bank runs. This will expose the reality that the fractional reserve banking system does not hold sufficient assets to meet the demands of its customers.
Suddenly, it will be impossible to withdraw money from your account. Then credit cards will be de-activated, and ATMs will be shut down. In a worst case scenario, hyper-inflation would crush purchasing power, crash the stock market and destroy retirement accounts.
Another devastating possibility is that the U.S. Dollar would lose its status as the world’s reserve currency. There are many nations that are fed up with the unfair financial advantage that the Dollar currently enjoys. These countries would love to see both the Dollar and the Petro-dollar crash and burn.
Obviously, this would crater the U.S. economy, but because the global financial web is so inter-twined, it would wreak havoc everywhere. Our World of Comfort would swiftly become a World of Chaos.
*******
The Sea Gypsy Tribes have prepared for all of this turmoil. They do not hold much money in banks, but they always keep an emergency stash of cash onboard in small denomination bills. Plus, they have steadily converted their risky fiat currency into tangible assets such as long-life foods, medicines, tools, spare parts, and ammunition. Many in the tribes have also acquired silver as well as an assortment of items that can be used for barter.
If the situation ashore deteriorates into pandemonium and violence, the sea gypsies will quietly sail offshore and safely avoid the marauders. They will leave secretly and separately and rendezvous at a previously designated lat/long way-point.
At sea, they can monitor the situation using their short wave radios. Depending on how events unfold, they can sail together out of harm’s way relying on the food that they stored aboard for such contingencies. Or, they can locate to an uninhabited island or an empty stretch of coastline. My personal tribe has scouted out some excellent possibilities less than a day’s sail from where I am writing this.
*******
G GRID DOWN
There are at least three ways that the electrical grid can be severely damaged or destroyed. The first is via a cyber-attack. Klaus Schwab, the Exalted Potentate of the World Economic Forum, has frequently warned that cyber-terrorists could take down the power grid and the internet. He almost joyously proclaims that such a disruption would make the Covid shutdown seem like a minor nuisance. Since he is pretty high up in the chain of command of the Malignant Overlords, and has inside info, his prediction deserves our attention.
The second threat was highlighted by the recent Waltz of the Great White Balloon across the USA. Many commentators remarked that it could have easily been carrying an Electro-Magnetic-Pulse weapon. Had such a device been detonated, it would have instantly vaporized a couple of centuries of technological advancement.
The third concern for the safety of the Grid is not human induced, but Cosmic. Geomagnetic storms are a little known danger to the electrical infrastructure that powers so much of our modern world. The last significant disaster of this type was the 1859 Carrington Event. It shut down the telegraph system worldwide, which was the equivalent of the internet in the 19th century. It so disrupted the planet’s magnetic field that the Northern Lights were visible near the Equator whereas they are only normally seen near the Arctic Circle.
*******
The sailing boats of the Sea Gypsy Tribes are ideally suited for a grid down catastrophe. At sea, they are obviously not connected to the power matrix. But even in mid-ocean, our electrical needs are easily supplied by onboard solar panels and highly efficient wind generators.
These renewable energy sources provide all the amps necessary for lights, radios, computers, phones, autopilots, GPS, refrigeration, pumps, fans, etc. Solar and wind are perfect for sailing vessels, but despite what the Greens claim, they do not “scale up” efficiently for large metropolitan areas. That pipe-dream is about as realistic as powering Manhattan on unicorn farts.
In any emergency severe enough for my Sea Gypsy Tribe to put to sea, we would be extremely conservative in using our diesel fuel. We would only run our diesel engines as a back-up means of producing electricity during those rare times when the sun and wind are not sufficient.
*******
S SOCIETAL DERANGEMENT
Most of my suggestions for the Sea Gypsy Tribes are reactive – they provide advice on how to respond to a particular event. But there is great wisdom in using this ocean vagabond style of living in a pro-active fashion as well.
I contend that raising a family on a cruising sailboat, while meandering around to interesting and beautiful locations, is the perfect alternative to subjecting one’s children to the lunacy and degeneracy of the modern world.
And for solo sailors or cruising couples, the sea gypsy life reconnects them to a world that they still recall from their lived experience. They vividly remember an era that was simpler, sweeter and saner. The cruising life almost magically allows them to experience that anew.
*******
In the sea gypsy world, parents do not have to worry about kindergarten teachers sexualizing their children or inviting drag queens into the classroom. Instead, they home-school their kids. This insures that they will be educated and not indoctrinated.
The youngsters are also spared the Helicopter Parent Syndrome, whereby they are shielded from even the slightest risk or discomfort. Daily life is decidedly tougher and more dangerous on a small sailing ship. But the rewards, both in unique experience and in character-building, are extraordinary.
For adults, choosing the sailing life is an authentic act of rebellion. It provides them the joy of turning their back on a culture that claims that men can give birth, that all white people are evil, and that uncontrolled, illegal immigration is a blessing for a society.
It also allows the captain and crew to embrace personal responsibility and self-reliance. The Sea will not pamper you. It will test you. But passing that exam provides rewards that the Landsman never experiences.
*******
POSTSCRIPT
I wrote the Financial Collapse section of this essay about 3 days before the Silicon Valley Bank collapse. Floating aboard AVENTURA, down here south of many borders, I can’t help but observe the swiftness with which that bank was bailed out. I’ll wager that it might have something to do with the fact that most of the depositors there were rich Venture Capitalists who were heavy donors to the Democratic Party.
Sadly, I suspect that if there was an East Palestine Savings and Loan, whose depositors were welders, grocery clerks and beauticians, the government would not have swiftly come to their aid. In fact, they probably would NEVER come to their aid.
The next installment of my SEA GYPSY TRIBE ENCYCLOPEDIA will be posted in a few days. Possible topics include:
C Central Bank Digital Currencies
A Anti-White Demonization
N Nuclear Insanity
For more of Ray’s work, please visit THE SEA GYPSY PHILOSOPHER.
I hope you are well armed.
Hey VOWG,
I was … until it was all lost in a tragic boating accident.
There is a very large piracy problem in the Caribbean, the East Indies, and all around Africa. In any collapse scenario that problem will become the norm everywhere in the oceans as national police/military also collapse.
I think I’d rather ride it out on land next door to neighbors who can provide mutual support. It would have to be in a rural setting.
Hey Bob,
Thanks for your concern and for giving me an opportunity to respond to this frequently mentioned issue.
Modern piracy is essentially ransom driven against big shipping companies. Small craft are not a target for those ops.
Most piracy is coastal since it is conducted by small boats running on gasoline powered outboards that don’t have much fuel range. 30 miles offshore and you are largely out of range.
The well-armed boats in my Tribe are my mutual support and we have mobility. Imagine how much tougher it is to hit moving boats with a Molotov rather than a stationary house.
Hope this helps.
what a bunch of bull. Are you watching too much tv or what? Any vessel that has any food, ammo or currency is a target. Especially if few hurdles exist in attaining these. Your life is worth a bullet not more. Wake up!
OK. A little thought experiment. Me and my 5 other boats will slip out of this harbor separately and at night. We will rendezvous at our pre-arranged lat/long about 30 miles from here.
So as you try to locate us, which direction would you head N/S/E or W? How many square miles of ocean does that involve? How much fuel will you need for this raid? We will see you on our radars from at least 12 miles out. We will have our weapons locked and loaded. Whose life is at risk?
Does that not apply on land as well sea?
Ray J- That is great for you fellows who live on coastal areas and have the means to maintain large sailing vessels, I salute your ability. Those of us in the middle of the country can’t consider sea escape as it would take us much effort to reach the coast and find passage on a private vessel. Your plan works for the few and not for the many I dare say.
To believe that you would not meet up with danger at sea during SHTF or wartime is interesting, traditionally that was a venue for great danger, but I wish you and the others well.
I agree, BL.
But, if I were 20 or 30 years younger and had the means, I would have definitely considered it. But I think you would have to be ready now, not in a couple years. It would mean moving to somewhere on a coast but only temporarily. I think even if you are young, unless you already know how to sail on the sea, it’s too late.
Flea said he didn’t think we would make it through the winter before things unraveled. I’m just hoping we can hang on until after July. 4 months, that’s all I’m asking.
Hi BL and MC,
I am not proposing that millions of people move onto boats. It is basically seagoing prepping and I believe is a better option than land-based prepping. Note what a small % of the US population are preppers. So it is comparable to that. Just trying to help people “make it through to the other side.”
Ray- I admire your ability to enjoy the freedom of the sea in good times and truly hope it serves you well in trying times. All us folks in the hills and hollers will just have to keep our fingers crossed that our enemies remember that we WILL shoot your ass off. 🙂
Best of luck to the gypsys!
cartel and drug traffic on the high seas? They are well known for hi-jacking a vessel, disappearing the occupants, using the vessel, then abandoning it or perhaps sinking it. You may think that there is ‘freedom’ on the ocean in the case of world meltdown, however you may discover that what ideas look good on paper rarely translates to reality. ‘Off the grid’ whether on land or the ocean has it’s issues, worries and problems too.
Too many have romantic notions of ‘off the grid freedom’. They won’t be cashing in on millions like the scripted tv produced actors for ‘off the grid survivor programs’ are.
All of the “good on paper” ideas that I espouse are being lived every day by tens of thousands of liveaboard cruising sailors all over the world. These adaptations and technologies will work almost as well after a crash. E.g. I will do celestial navigation with my trusty sextant if the GPS system is crashed.
BTW, there are not dozens of boaters going missing with their boats turning up abandoned after a drug run. We have very good global HAM and SSB nets. When some vessel is overdue, we know about it and track it down. That is made for TV movie stuff.
don’t watch tv . So wouldn’t know what they espouse. Do know the drug running is very real.
Wish you the best with your life choice.
Excellent article as usual Ray. Can’t wait for your next installment.
R.J. says:
“Solar and wind are perfect for sailing vessels, but despite what the Greens claim, they do not “scale up” efficiently for large metropolitan areas. That pipe-dream is about as realistic as powering Manhattan on unicorn farts.”
The downside of unicorn fart power is someone striking a match.
The upside is unicorns poop cupcakes.
As far as modern piracy goes I would think your most serious danger would come from rogue coast guard units. Fast, long range vessels with multiple twin fifties and even larger caliber weapons.
Good fortune to your tribe RJ.
USCG out of Kingsway GA escorts subs to their base. 55-60′ vessels w/ 3-300HP outboards. 50MM cannon plus two mounted 50cal machine guns to protect.
60 knots???
What are your backup plans for power if it is a widespread emp scenario? A simple generator with points would still be able to run, with a fuel supply. What about the electronics corresponding with solar panels?
Greetings PS,
The point I tried to make is that long-range sailing boats are NOT ON THE GRID. We are self contained. Post EMP the sun will shine on my solar panels and the wind will turn my wind generator. All of the self-contained electric and electronic equipment onboard will work fine. Likewise short wave radios will function and most news will come via ham operators. If GPS goes down we will use the “old ways” celestial navigation and coastal piloting. I am still excellent at both.
There seems to be a misconception that EMP can only hurt you if you are connected to the grid.
But if you are within the range of an EMP blast, pretty much all your semiconductors will get fried (unless you kept them inside a Faraday cage at the time – by which usually a tight metal container is meant).
That includes solar panels, everything with a transistor or IC in it, and even LED lights.
I hope something like a hand-operated Katadyn Survivor 06 is part of your preparedness kit.
Hi M,
I do have a Katadyn 06 as well as excellent water catchment systems which is what I mainly use.
I use my oven as my Faraday cage. However, I look at an EMP attack as similar to a nuke in that advance warning is very unlikely. That is the bad news. The good news is that my Tribe is in an area that will probably not be targeted. Also, my first ocean sailing was done back in the 80s before any of these systems were common on cruising boats. We were truly pioneers in many ways. Didn’t miss em then – could live without em now.
I think you’re going to be fine. I hope it doesn’t come to the end game though.
Hey Ray,..
How large is your S/V?
After working on a 185 foot tall ship with 64 people on it, I looked at buying something and continuing on by myself.
I priced myself out at 42 feet and was still not content with the amount of space even though I was accustomed to being in a sardine can with 64 other people. At least you could go up on deck and hide in a dinghy or under the mizzen with 185 feet.
42 feet still gave me the heebie jeebies.
As the cook, I had my own private cabin, essentially under the bowsprit, because everybody just hurled constantly up there and I had the kitchen to myself during the day but I need space man…
Probably why I am on mountain top with 80 km views in every direction overlooking my 185 acres of passion fruit, bananas, citrus and cattle.
Yeah. Fuck Water World. Been there, done that.
I choose to die on the ground I was made from.
Yeah going to sea in a 25 ft sailboat …. That’ll save ya lol.
Save ya from a quick and painless death! lol !
“Gentlemen! Gentlemen! There’s a solution here that you’re not seeing…”
I have written 12 articles fleshing out my Sea Gypsy Tribe concept. Show me one place where I recommend going to sea in a 25-foot boat.
It would be great until it’s not. The sea in her primal beauty is a sight to behold. In her anger, she is a wild beast. In her rage, she is without mercy and offers up no quarter for those trapped in her tempest. Sympathy she will not grant to those who have sailed carelessly into her trap.
Having experienced the rage of the Sea and the rage of Humanity, I’ll take the Sea.
You can’t kill The Sea.
Don’t get me wrong. I respect your choice. It just ain’t the right one for me.
Good luck with your plan, I truly wish you well. As for me, I would retreat into the wilderness of the land first. On the land, I become the wild beast.
-Boogie
Ray. Just remember. When SHTF you will get the rage of both Sea and Man.
I agree Man is far worse, especially in this Peak Satan-worshiping Era, but once the Nazi elites take off the mask and go full tyrant they won’t allow any ‘free spirit’ to just opt out and float free. Every ‘FED’ vessel will be a predator. And ‘the everything collapse’ will turn the desperate (i.e. nearly everyone) into a savage mob of pirates.
At least don’t assume every distress call is legitimate. The opposite will be true.
I would definitely be a non-fish drowning in your water world.
Best of luck on your floating Alamo. It holds many dangers of ambush, entrapment and obliteration. But no Alamo will be truly safe where we are heading.
At least you can enjoy the time between now and your first encounter with malevolent vessels holding more firepower.
Hey Crash,
I never mention this in my essays, but I have been a professional Captain for decades. Have been involved in a few search and rescues. It is a MOFO finding small vessels at sea – especially if you are not even sure if they are out there.
My Tribe believes that the chaos on the coasts will be more than enough to keep the water cops busy and they will not expend fuel and other resources just to track down some freedom-loving sea gypsies.
As the wise Elder said in the excellent film, GALLIPOLI, “Ya judge the risks and you takes your chances.”
I have had the same thoughts for many years regarding sea prepping. Too late to get a boat now but the idea is far safer then land based prepping. Numbers game. Also, I find it odd how many took the time to shoot down your idea. Seems to me a the only realy way to get your toys and gear off land anyways.
Such is the fun loving TBP crowd.
You can always do a bug out island on a river. I’ve been working on one for five years. It’s hard work, but might have a better chance, worth it to me.
B.O.A.T. = break out another thousand
Having worked in the marine industry for most of my adult life and having taken part in two Trans Pac races (’95 and ’97) on Roy Disney’s Pyewacket, I am here to tell you that your idea of living on a sailboat is at best ,far fetched and at worst, life threatening. Vessels floating in seawater degrade at an alarming rate, sailboats in particular, and require much maintenance. Sailing around assuming you will have access to spare parts (engine, rigging, cabin amenities…etc..) and services required in the world as it exists today is a fantasy that will likely not last as long as you think it will. Good luck.
Ocean sailboats are great examples of self-sufficient systems. Since there is nobody to help you in mid-ocean, one has to be prepared.
My boat is 47 years old and still looks brand new. She is not degrading at an alarming rate.
BTW, I too did the Transpac Race, but I did the Single-handed Transpac solo.
I keep promoting my Sea Gypsy Tribe concept because it is an affordable, achievable option in a treacherous world.
Do you constantly maintain your boat on the open water or the safety of a slip in a marina? How often do you dry dock? Is your hull wood or fiberglass?
Like I said….good luck, you will need it.
Cheers.
I do maintenance both at sea and in port. AVENTURA is fiberglass. Nice pictures of her at my Blog. I haul out about every third year, but I clean the bottom every couple of months with my snorkel and scraper.
Ray- Stop defending your position on this.
To those who believe, no explanation is necessary.
To those who don’t, no explanation is possible.
Good luck.
I now live my life vicariously thru your exploits, being a landlocked shipless sailor.
Maybe someday.
Hi M D,
Thanks for the suggestion. You might have noticed that with my other essays, I largely do not “mix it up” with commenters. However, I so thoroughly believe in the value of ocean-worthy sailing boats as an escape platform, that I vigorously try to defend the concept.
I know…….I get it.
Crossing the Bar
BY ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
Thanks MD,
Love that poem, but my favorite from Tennyson is in his ULYSSES. These lines have been almost a lighthouse guiding my Life’s Voyage:
Arise my friends tis not too late
to seek a newer world.
Push off and sitting well in order smite
the sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
to sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
of all the western stars, until I die.
Nice. Thanks.
The good seaman weathers the storm he cannot avoid, and avoids the storm he cannot weather. Someone once said.
My fav is Sea Fever by Poet Lauriate John Masefield…
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking,
I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over
I agree. Even better than ULYSSES. But Tennyson does blend Heroism and Melancholy in a noble fashion.
And Masefield is one of the original Vagrant Gypsys.
Pyewacket? Was Jimmy Stewart onboard? So, Roy was a Wiccan devotee?
If I am blessed with my three score and ten, then I only have so many weekends left on this rock. While I can admire your willingness to survive – to whatever end – I would rather ride my dirt bike, smoke cigars, and go out in an uncivilized manner having enjoyed the fruits of planet earth while I was able.
Hey Eraser,
See the photo with this article. That was taken a few weeks ago from the deck of my boat. I was drinking “de rum in de coconut” while listening to some great David Gilmore riffs in my headset. So we are in the same book. We’re just on different pages.
Right on my friend. As a guitar player myself, I could definitely see the fun in being in the middle of nowhere with my Soldano stack, shredding like hell with the lid off.
Where can I find that interview/podcast of yours, Ray, from a while back? I would like to listen to it.
Hey Svarga,
Was just chatting with Jim by email a few minutes ago. Best way to find the interview is to go to my blog and scroll down. It is on the front page with a nice clean link.
That has turned out to be one of his most popular podcasts. Sometimes it is good to come down from the NWO watchtowers and just enjoy a relaxed conversation between 2 guys with interesting backgrounds and worldviews.
Ray you seem to have quite the experience out on the ocean. Serious question. When floating out in the middle of nowhere, does the water seem to fall away or is it absolutely flat?
Hey BO,
I think I see the intent of your question. 🙂 I have done over 17,000 ocean miles just using my sextant. Celestial Navigation is based upon the premise that the world is a globe. I managed to arrive at every single destination without falling off the edge. Perhaps I was just lucky. When ships pass in the night or the day and then lose sight of each other, that is due to the curvature of the planet.
So say you the rock is round. I haven’t seen it so its plain to see that the round thingie is a lie from govts all over. AND, you are not allowed to sail anywhere near the wall or the govt would nuke your boat.
do I need this > /s
Thank you for you observations Sir. Duly noted. Glad you didn’t fall off. 🙂
Ray,
I always enjoy your threads…looks to me like you and I have found and combined a lifestyle and a survival/prepper strategy that fits us to T.
Yours is on the water and mine is in a farm/compound.
The best to you and your tribe buddy!
If you get the time check out this vid and book, I promise you they both will be engaging!
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I think the information shared here from a mariner perspective can serve any who are looking to not just eek out a survival but to actually flourish a little. Nothing about any of the coming hardships, land or sea, is going to be safe or easy. There are pros and cons to each of the arguments of land or sea based survival.
Imo, if you don’t have the finances, boat and some rudimentary skills, over the age of 50, then the likelihood of going sea borne will not be in the cards. Bottom line is to stay with what you know and further develope the skills, contacts and preps for the storm fast approaching on the horizon.
For me, the skills needed for blue water living, traversing, would be much the same as going deep forest. Same but different. With the oceans being so vast, that vastness and mobility becomes your cover. But once spotted, theres nowhere to hide or evade to, so its surrender or fight back with limited tools. With the forest, where I’m more home at, I can live, conceal, move and even counter ambush if need be. Personally I love the open waters but to put in practice is not a realistic venture.
I’m pretty sure you aren’t advocating for newbies to jump into sea life to escape, I could be wrong, I dunno. But whats more important is knowing yourself, abilities and whats the best course of action in a SHTF scenario. Cheers and fair seas.
Hey A a m,
Here is my mission. I hope to convince sailors who are already living the sea gypsy life to band together into Tribes in case the shit hits the fan. Obviously, many in the world-wide fleet think that things are not in jeopardy of imploding and they should just continue to enjoy that blissful state. But for those who see the near future differently, it is time to join together with like-minded sailors. We will need skilled, strong, self-reliant survivors in whatever comes afterwards.
I also hope to encourage newbies who are truly captivated by this option. I have guided several of them from raw beginner into boat owner and sailor solely through email contact.
Good luck with your forest prepping.
BTW, small vessels are easily concealed by darkness. If they are running “dark” at night it is nearly impossible to spot them even from a football field distance.
When you need land fall you may come to respect the forest dwellers. 🙂
btw, the forest is always prep’d, I’m just a tender that can harvest what I need from it. Having those McGyver skills come in handy, as you’d know.
If I was young again, I’d love to join that tribe
but the one I have isn’t bad
Unless you encounter a tsunami from Russian Poseidon 2M39 torpedo.
Hey Marky,
The danger with tsunamis is the shoreline. Encountered in deep water they are merely a strange humping of the sea for a short period of time. They break and destroy things in shallow water but not out at sea.
I firmly believe that the best way to escape from any type of emergency, is in a well-prepared, ocean-capable sailboat
There are people who do not understand concepts like hyperbole,who literally take everything literally. Literally.
_________________
That said, my expertise lies not on the sea, though I have little doubt I could learn.
If one can live such a life successfully I say, good for you!
With all the various talents skills and personalities we humans possess, surely some humans will live into the next age.
Prepping aside, I think I would love this lifestyle. But I don’t think it’s in the cards for me….where would one keep their large dogs and horse on a boat?? I’m not Noah.
I love your articles, Ray. It puts me in a dreamy state of mind.
Thanks, Abigail,
I always enjoy your comments here at TBP. Sounds like you have a pretty nice scene. Good on ya.
Ray…most of the negative comments here stem from fear and lack of knowledge in this area. You are the expert in this area with all your hands-on experience. I would feel much safer with someone like you on my boat, but alas I don’t know anyone like that in real life.
So, for now, if you ever offer tours…with a 5 course meal, wine, and views of the sunsets…then I will be the first to book a tour with you. (business idea…cha-ching, cha-ching 😎)
Looking forward to your next article.
Keep on keeping on…
Ray, she may be asking for a date.
😂 Well, I would never turn down a CAPTAIN! But…I’m sure this sailor has enough “challenges” in his life on the high seas than to throw a land-dweller who knows ZERO about boats in the mix.
But, seriously…dinner cruise – think about it…😊
I “vote” Ray brings you onboard.
Stop! I’m getting embarrassed now! 🤭
Five course meal. Damn, I thought Pure Bloods only had to provide three courses. 🙂
I’m very high maintenance. 😎
Lol. Alright, Tex. You just wait. I WILL get you back…somehow.
Love that song. One of the best.
While this does sound interesting. One big point is missed. Weather modifying weapons of war. We are at the beginning stages of it’s overt and public use. I wouldn’t want to be in the ocean when governments and their secret services start using them all over the world.
You guys should have a base on land. A hidden valley somewhere close to shore with a nice cove near by. You can ride out some salty times and keep your community safe.
Growing your own food. Unfortunately the oceans are every day more and more polluted. So if you subside with fishing, you might end up with some illnesses caused by that pollution. If someone gets sick at sea they are basically dead. You can’t send them to a hospital quick enough. Will you have boats with full surgical and critical care and life support systems? Will you be able to sustain the generators needed for this.
I don’t know. Seems kinda hairy. It sounds like a great idea. Until something goes wrong. I suggest you at least consider having a land base where you can grow your own food raise your own meat and have a place where you can provide medical care. As far as higher education. What would be the plan? No engineers no scientists no doctors ? An entire generation of boat hippies without education?
Short term sound great but if you really want to sell this idea and make it logically plausible then I would suggest you address these items I have mentioned.
The only way I see it possible is to have a land base. A gated community with your own private security, educational and medical infrastructure. Food sources. Energy generation. Manufacturing etc.
If you want this to last more than a generation you need more.
Crickets. Makes sense.
sorry…. but how can anyone prefer to be on a dependend piece of technology like a boat.? Ever heard of piracy? I was subject to this. Ever heard of technological dependancy? Finding a replacement winch, a spark plug or a sail is quite a problem in a world lacking of any type of supply. Then there is the dependancy on food. Do you expect to live of the bountiful fish that surrounds your boat every day or what? Do you want to grow your carrots on deck or what?
Sorry only a delusional idiot can expect to escape the world of hurt expected on any type of vessel.
AE,
I have made solo voyages of 30, 29, 24 and 20 days. I have also crewed on a successful crossing of the Northwest Passage of 86 days. I experienced no “world of hurt.” What I felt instead was a tremendous feeling of achievement that stays with a person forever.
Good work on the article. Don’t let them get you down, no solution is a 100%, so I think poking holes in yours gives them false bravado their plan is without any problems.
Ray,
I agree in principle with goat…your chosen lifestyle/survival/prepping plan is yours…I would never want to do it or could…but I am not you.
I have no doubt you will do well…for the simple fact you have skills, a plan, and a tribe.
I too have all three…completely different…but so what?
People shooting holes in your boat…won’t be afloat…and that is your farm/compound.
God Speed Buddy!
Ray, I always enjoy your posts. Often when I read them, I am reminded of a book that I read a few decades back titled “And The Sea Will Tell.” It is a true story written by Vincent Bugliosi, the man who successfully prosecuted The Manson gang. Bugliosi also successfully prosecuted “Buck” Walker and his girlfriend for a double murder on Palmyra Atoll in this book. Walker and his girlfriend had a POS sailboat, and they barely made it to Palmyra from California where they murdered a wealthy couple with a much nicer boat, and a larger stash of food.
Anyway, when reading about Aventura you said she has a fiberglass hull, and it reminded me of Walker and his girlfriend’s problem when a Swordfish pierced their hull , and their unpreparedness almost did them in. Good book, and I’m sure you are prepared for just about anything. Thanks for posting.
Sail on, Captain.
I am reminded of this movie. I’m afraid this would be me…
Never saw that, but it looks like a good movie. Thanks
It is really good. Watch it. Terrifying though.
Ray…DO NOT watch this movie if you haven’t already!
Hey Abby- We don’t have any yachts around here but if you come for the “Ham Days” festival in Lebanon Junction this year, we could let you ride on a hog. 🙂
Ummm….only if you promise not to post pictures of it on TBP.
A sea cruise versus a ride on a 4-legged hog. So many choices…
LOL. Ray , can you dock in Galveston or better yet, Corpus Christi Bay and bring her onboard? Seriously, what a story for TBP.
Sounds like a gathering of hams.
Hi nkit,
Yes, that is a real page turner.
I have lived aboard AVENTURA full-time for 31 years. In my 35,000 miles and 44 countries, I have never encountered an episode like that. The most extreme incidents capture so much lurid public attention that it distorts the dangers of this lifestyle.
With all of the negative comments that have greeted this essay and concept, there is not a single one that has caught my attention to the point where I say, “oh, damn, I didn’t think of that.” All of the perceived pitfalls have been worked out in the other 12 or so essays that preceded this one.
But the negative feedback does not bother me that much. I believe that it is a very helpful approach to crisis survival. And perhaps some out there will find merit in it.
Ray, I meant nothing negative, because I know after 31 years, you are prepared for anything.. I found it almost comical how ill-prepared Buck and his girlfriend were, and yet they still made it to Palmyra. The sea is an awesome force. I like how you are able to deal with it on a day to day basis. It takes a special person to deal with that. Good luck, and God Bless…
Interesting that you call people questioning your article as negative feedback. I would think you’d look at it as an opportunity to to dispel some of the myths about sailing. Rather than a negative it should be a more positive, the more the comments the more the interest.
I’ve followed along on your articles since I’ve been here and I don’t recall you mentioning what the costs are for living on a boat or where you get income from to maintain this life style. Dreams of freedom are just dreams if there are no real means of attaining the dream.
So what are the costs, ball parking. How do you maintain the lifestyle? Legit questions.
Hi A Moos,
As I mentioned somewhere here in the thread, I am not trying to convert landsmen into sailors. I am trying to reach people already living the sea gypsy life and then encourage them to use their boats as a prepped-up survive and flourish vessel.
However, in a few of the 12 or so previous essays at my blog on this topic (that is 12 out of 166 articles thus far) I do detail the how to aspects of choosing the cruising life as well as the costs.
Essentially, a self-sufficient sailing boat/home costs a fraction of a house or homestead. The daily living is often way less expensive because many of us are living cheaply in the Tropics. This is not rich-man’s yachting. It is affordable to many, many people.
Thx for replying. Not trying to be difficult, just asking honest questions.
I’d thought hard a few years back of getting a motor sailer and running live aboard diving from it, having my daughter and her husband running the boat. But it just was a step to far with the risks and would mean all in with nothing to fall back on.
So I’m going back to what I know. The ocean of forest will be my life boat and I’ll help any that come my way.
Thx again for the reply.
No problema. Wise choice. As a longtime professional Captain doing snorkel and whale watching trips, (not with my boat but mostly 50 passenger craft) it is a tough business with the slices of the pie always shrinking.
The forest is more than fine. Molotov pinecones … I like it.
Now you are just straight up lying. I just ask. What happens if someone gets sick or critically injured? no answer. Basically you will have to dump them in the ocean. And you know it. Will you have an ER? A critical care unit ? Life support systems? What of someone gets cancer? Shit out of luck? Heart attacks?
You haven’t thought this through. Your idea is best case scenario only.
As you’ve said. You’ve never had a really bad situation out at sea. You are banking on that going on for a lifetime?
Everything is fine until it isn’t. You have no idea what you would do of someone got sick or injured. You are going to be doing love births on boats with that kind of hygiene?
How many babies do you figure might die under these conditions? Will everyone be medically certified or trained for all medical emergencies?
You have no infrastructure.
Education?
You have nothing.
And if you’ve thought it out why aren’t you addressing any of these concerns.
Telling people. ” Don’t worry I’ve thought it through ” doesn’t really mean anything other than ” I can’t really give you a straight answer right now “.
Wow. That is some serious vitriol.
If the shit really hits the fan, we are headed back to the 19th century. A sailing boat with some independently powered 20th and 21st century upgrades will be way better than what the Clipper Ships had in earlier eras. And yet they did just fine for hundreds of years.
If you think that land-based preppers will have ambulance access and ICU facilities, you will be sadly surprised. Almost all sailors carry advanced first aid books onboard. There are at least 3 women in my 6 boat Tribe that I feel could deliver a baby. Probably, half the men as well.
When I sailed the Northwest Passage, every step was vital. One slip on the ice that frequently coated the vessel and you would likely die. By the time the boat could circle back to me the 0 centigrade water temp would have shut my systems down.
What is life without Adventure. How can one have Adventure without Risk. The name of my own boat is AVENTURA, That is the Spanish word for Adventure.
Hopefully, this will ease your concerns.
“What is life without Adventure. How can one have Adventure without Risk.”
Bingo. People are too busy dying rather than living. It’s the sad state of modern times.
I have NO idea why your article brought on such vitriol. Actually, I do. People want what you have, Ray. But they don’t know how to achieve it or are too scared to go for any kind of risk or adventure in their lives. To see people living their dreams is just triggering for some…wyrd.
Thanks Abigail,
That used to upset me. But now it just saddens me. I always try to respond politely on the slim chance that such generosity of spirit, might help someone turn a Life Corner.
Oh how wrong you are Karen 🤣🤣🤣😂
Right. And who the H wants to go into an ER or Hospital filled with people that may still be getting paid to kill you?
Well at least you were honest enough to just say I DONT KNOW and just played victim. ” Oh the vitriol”.
I’ll be honest with you. I spent the entire 2022 building a fort in the mountains over 3000 meters altitude. What an adventure. As you said. But a medical emergency was almost impossible to handle. You needed to get to civilization. And even then ” civilization” at that altitude isn’t New York or Los Angeles. I had a couple good animals die on me. I knew they could have survived if I wasn’t out in the middle of nowhere. You don’t understand the guilt I felt. And then looking at the people I was with. I knew if there was ever an emergency that ” adventure ” would easily turn into a NIGHTMARE soon.
I don’t mind the downvotes from the cucks. I’m not trying to sell anything.
All I’m saying is the ONE thing I really learned is you need the proper life saving and life sustaining infrastructure or you will eventually have blood on your hands. I need alot more financing before I can finish my castle in the sky. I can admit that to myself. I am currently accumulating the proper funds needed to install the proper infrastructure so that the people who come on my ” adventure” won’t be victims of my bad planning. I advise ANYBODY that plans to go out in the middle of nowhere to have a PLAN when shit hits the fan.
That is all. You and I both know that’s true unless you really don’t care about the people you convince.
Great idea. But you need MORE. I’m not saying this for me. I’m saying this for all the people whos children might get hurt going on an ” adventure”. That’s why I advised having a land base somewhere. Just in case.
Having said all that I wish you good fortune.
No vitriol just well thought out facts and arguments.
Nobody likes people that try to destroy another’s dreams, goals or aspirations. Whether you disagree or think those dreams are crazy is your choice but sometimes its just good to STFU.
true story written by Vincent Bugliosi, the man who successfully prosecuted The Manson gang.
The Manson story might have been a US military operation apparently run by
Col Tate. (Sharon’s daddy)
Utilizing Roman Polanski’s and Sharon’s horror movie film experience to stage the “murder scene” at the Waverly Dr home.
____
So, Vincent Bugliosi, is the man who successfully prosecuted a staged crime?
Gonna guess this guy is like the coroner Naguchi who did the autopsies for the most famous staged deaths?
_________
Please note:
Questioning the messenger AFTER he has established his reputation does not a logical fallacy make.
Your idea has already been made into a movie (Water World) back in 1995 starring Kevin Costner.
Hey MDH,
I see Water World as Mad Max goes to sea. The purpose of my Tribe is to avoid that sort of violent chaos as much as possible.
Dang Cap’n Ray!
I mentioned in a comment on a previous TBP offering of yours, that I am enriched merely knowing that someone like you is living the life you live. Still true.
Finding it hard to believe some commenters here seem to think they are addressing an old landlubber like me when they warn you of pitfalls you have either lived through or thought through.
IMO few people’s plan to survive and maybe even thrive in a true SHTF situation will turn out as they hope. Yours has one of the better chances.
For decades I hoped I’d leave this world as I entered: kicking, screaming and covered in someone else’s blood.
My current plan is to starve or die of a parasite disease or be stomped to death in a chimp-out or freeze or, if I’m truly lucky, to hear the latch being tripped on a guillotine. I think my plan has a better chance of following the program than most people’s.
Meanwhile I’ll try to help those I can.
Long happy success to you and your tribe Cap.
Hi PSB,
Good plan. Exit with a bang and not a whimper!
I am Now , to old to get in the Bosun chair and free the pull rope of the main sail.
I wish you smooth seas and a following wind, Brown breasts and lots of fresh fish.
You as each have a time line, as every one has. Go! and never look back.
Hi Thun,
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the skirmish without having to climb the mast. Find the one that suits you best.
An ocean vessel makes for a pepper’s lifeboat indeed.
Everything is self-contained while providing mobility and multiple options for relisience.
Moreover, the sea provides a natural barrier against aggressors – like a gigantic swirling moat surrounding your floating castle.
I can’t argue against that logic, Ray, even if it’s too late for a landlocked middle-aged dude like me to (effectively and efficiently) learn the nuance of survival on the high seas.
As always, though, thank you for your enjoyable posts and valuable information.
Morn in’ Un,
Back at ya. I always enjoy your thoughtful and original essays as well.
If for some reason you should develop an interest in the sea gypsy life, I can coach you up far more swiftly than you realize and would be glad to do so. A tricked out any emergency sailboat can be had for about $40K, which compared to a land base is very reasonably-priced.
Keep a clear eye up there on the watchtower.
resilience
noun
re·sil·ience ri-ˈzil-yən(t)s
Synonyms of resilience
1
: the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress
2
: an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resilience
Thanks for the wet perspective, Ray. Now Auntie is dreaming of a wolfpack of personal submarines to avoid the TEOTWAWKI.
Running silent; running deep.
Hi Auntie,
Always enjoy your comments here at TBP.
Interesting that you should reference running silent, because I often go on deck to watch the moon rise with my headphones on (unless I am really remote and then I just let er rip) and I crank up to 11 Silent Running by Mike and the Mechanics. I hear it as almost an anthem. Will try to attach it here. Assassin’s Creed also has a nice cover, but they left out the third verse which is very powerful. Tragic that they did so. I wonder why?
If you encounter my Tribe out there with your subs, come on up to the surface and we will party.
Here comes the link, I hope:
Hi Auntie,
Will try to set up a link again.
This is the link for SILENT RUNNING.
A stunning and important song. Paul Carrack can really belt it out.
Looking forward to a raft-up with your flotilla.
One if by ship … two if by sub!
Hi Ray,
Gret piece, thought I mention one thing. Solar Panels are very vulnerable to a major CME. More so if they are plugged in….ie supplying power. They are prone not only to damage, but also can catch fire. So beware.
If you hear about a massive solar flare, best practice would be to unplug them and if possible, wrap them in plastic sheeting, which is much better than faraday cage for protecting against induce currents.
This happened a few days ago and then there was a very fast moving (which mean probably very massive) CME that went out directly away from us just 2 days. The sun is acting up in a big way and our magnetic field is way down.
BTW, have you notice the poles drifting over the past few years?
DRUD
Hey Drud,
Thanks for that great intel about the plastic sheeting. Have not observed any significant pole shift anomalies. What should I be looking for? When I did the Northwest Passage in 2017 the compass was almost un-usable. It was a real hoot.
The magnetic poles have been moving, in more or less a straight line, toward each other since about the 1850s. The rate is accelerating.
In the US, it is moving almost directly away from us, so there is no effect in the compass direction, but out on the oceans there is sure to be.
All kidding aside, a very good article.
I wish you success in your endeavors.
Any authority figures boarding your craft and finding any weapons, you will become familiar with their prisons.
I’ve been interested in sailing the world for years and a common theme of people getting screwed over by authorities worldwide kept showing up. Yep, one joint falling out of some officials pocket on your boat and you are screwed.
The boat gets impounded and you get held hostage while officials milk your family for money. You are an outsider seen as a source of money. Like truck drivers when they drive to each state. or anyone with an out of state plate in Tennessee. it’s a nice fantasy though.
Hey Y,
There are 43 boats anchored within 100 yards of me. None of us have had that experience.
I couldn’t take so much Sun, Ray.
Fantastic and well grounded idea of yours on the whole. My bet is there are hundreds of places all over the globe that would invite and reward your chosen lifestyle.
But for God’s sake, what of the incessant Sun!?
P.S. you gotta get a giggle from so many ppl mentioning doing without a fookin Dr.
Hey TIBS,
It is easier than you think. I have lived amongst the sailor folk for over 30 years non-stop. There is no big skin cancer issue. Normal precautions work fine. Don’t let that stop ya.
I couldn’t resist
I’d be interested to read your thoughts on the menace of high seas pirates. An offensive ship may just decide to to engage in heist- surely a concern for the flotilla.
Hey CTR,
I discuss it in this comments thread a few times, including one of my first responses at the top. My Tribe definitely does not embrace the Cumbaya worldview. Any interlopers would be picked up from 12 miles out on our radars.
Some of us are Navy vets who know how to positions boats for maximum protection and persuasion.
“That pipe-dream is about as realistic as powering Manhattan on unicorn farts.”
Unicorn farts have been the life blood of that place since forever. They just don’t smell.
Well, (channeling ronnie raygun) just NOT noticeable. Given the overwhelming stench that pervades the whole city.
Red sky in morning
Sailors take warning
Red sky at night
Sailors delight
The elites are going to ride it out underground so maybe you guys should dig a big hole?
Hey ZB,
They are immobile and they have air vents that invite extremely prejudicial remodeling. Seven tenths of the planet is navigable by our boats. I like our chances.
If you’ve got a boat and need guests sign me up!