Get Real, Get Gone: How to Become a Modern Sea Gypsy and Sail Away Forever

This book was recommended to someone else on a Reddit thread (on the r/liveaboard sub)..WOW! What an amazing, accessible read. Rick's writing style reads like you're having a conversation with him, which makes the whole book feel super accessible.Also, there is a lot of semi-technical data on: boat selection, boat outfitting, and financial advice to assist anyone in reframing their mindset to sail off in to the "wobbly blue stuff" and never return. Basically, how to check out of the consumerist rat race, and seek to enjoy a like full of travel, and adventure! It's true, if you follow Rick's advice, there won't be a newly leased luxury car every three years in your future, but is that really the purpose of life on this mortal coil? Is the function of our existence to accumulate more disposable goods made in a far away land that are obsolete every few years? Or is there possibly another way to live that involves actual problem solving, and more rewarding behavior? If you think the latter is true, but can't imagine how to get there, this is your road map to how to do it NOW, not "when you're ready" (Hint: You'll never be "ready".)..I'm at a turning point in my life where sailing the world for a few decades is actually quite possible, but Capn Page shows you how to do it on a minimal budget - be frugal, avoid debt, let compounding interest work for you, and learn to do your own minor repairs.I also recommend his second book - Stay real, stay gone. It expands on all of the principles and lessons of the first book, but with the same easy to read writing style.Absolutely one of the books with the largest influence on my life's trajectory I've ever read. If you're thinking about liveaboard life, please read this.. Perhaps read it twice.

The person who introduced me to Rick Page’s Get Real, Get Gone was absolutely adamant that this was a critical addition to any watery wanderer’s bookshelf.I had set my sights on traveling the world slowly, with the sea as my medium. With aspirations of buying my own boat, I was (and still am) constantly on the lookout for new sources of information and experience to learn from, and Get Real, Get Gone is up there with the best.Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just starting out, Page’s sharp, conversational, opinionated and accessible writing is not just a confident voice of experience, it’s also a delightful, entertaining read.Page will help you hone in on what’s important to insist on, and what’s important to let go of, if you hope to turn to life on the high seas as a sustainable, practical lifestyle. Aimed at the budget sailor (i.e., most of us!) Page’s no frills, no nonsense approach to not just sailing, but to consumerism and self-reliance in general, helped me focus and keep my eyes on the prize – as well as taught me a few things about shopping around for boats.Highly, highly recommended!

Leaving the 9 to 5 and sailing...welll, wherever I choose, is a future goal of mine. I would very much like to achieve this with my wife, so the final chapter was gold! : ) The advice in this book has been immensely helpful and I look forward to putting it into practice.

Author Rick Page has accomplished a very readable, substantial and humor-filled guide into the Sea Gypsy lifestyle he so adamantly supports and recommends. It is a finely written volume that was in much need of discussion for those of us who have the desire to gravitate toward this way of living. As a budding (novice) Sea Gypsy myself, his wit and wisdom on the topic will be very long in my memory as one considers the various obstacles as well as the opportunities that await.Upon reading some of the reviews after completing the book, I am amazed and perplexed over one particular criticism of the author. Some have stated that his humor is ‘distracting’ in some way to the overall read. I, on the other hand, view his wonderful humor and use of very effective analogies as long-term memory inducing. What greater tribute to an author than to proclaim their unique ability to produce a work that is truly timeless, helpful and long in the memory department? I am currently reading his second book “Stay Real, Stay Gone” and it too is filled with information that will become invaluable to the evolving Sea Gypsy enthusiast!

This is a book for anyone who wants to sail. Newbie or veteran. The author says that if you want to skipper a huge yacht then this isn't the book for you... I disagree. Everyone can benefit from the wisdom of this guide and regardless of if they agree we can alllearn.

Wanna sail around the world? Wanna buy a boat? Wanna live your life vicariously though someone else? Buy this book, it’s a doozie. Concise, funny, educational and no nonsense. It’s a great how to guide for those who have a dream of buying a yacht and sailing her to paradise. I loved it and I’ll re-read it when I’ve stopped dreaming and started doing

It took me a long time to start this book because I thought from the title that it would be a dry and inapplicable preachy instruction manual. What I found instead was a wonderfully readable book about Sea-Gypsies and their budget conscious ethos. The instruction part is simply a humour laced, low key, how-to guide for the transition from a consumer driven, technology laden land life to a sustainable low cost life aboard a modest boat. What's even more exciting is that the author sounds accessable beyond just this book, with repeated links to a website and an email address. This might be the first time I've finished reading a book and thought "I'd like to buy the author a beer".

I have bought this book in 2022, after the Covid to support a decision I have already made of moving away from my life- wiekkng style and GET GONE.I have followed all preparation advises and even got great feedback from Rick directly in selecting my boat. Last step, I have taken a few weeks ago.As I said it is the 5th time I read the book, making sure did not miss anything. Cannot be more thankful to Rick. Te second book Stay Real, Stay Gone is also in my possession and next to be read once already living as a see gipsy. Keep you posted.

A fantastic book, full of suggestions based on real sailing life. Not only this gives a strong incentive to apprach a real sailing life, but very useful for every active or potential sailor even if you are not yet ready to plan your life on a sailing boat. This book will guide you through the difficult process of choosing the right boat for you.A MUST read before starting the process to buy a boat and become a sailor.

"Get Real, Get Gone" by Rick Page is a tremendous source of inspiration for me. Since I was in my twenties, I dreamt of a life aboard a small sailboat, and this book provided a practical framework that made it seem achievable. For that, I'm truly grateful.The author doesn't romanticize life on a sailboat; he provides a real guide that's both inspirational and down-to-earth. This realism permits to acknowledging the challenges and making them conquerable.On top of the book providing absolute great assistance, also the author is reachable for help! I emailed out to him for guidance on buying an specific sailboat, and he offered invaluable assistance.In short, "Get Real, Get Gone" is a must-read if you are yearning for a life out of the ordinary on a sailboat. This book provides me with great confident and excitement about starting my own sailing adventure.