Borrowed from a Sailing forum. (the charade)

[sparcsParticipant 130]

“To be truly challenging, a voyage, like a life, must rest on a firm foundation of financial unrest. Otherwise, you are doomed to a routine traverse, the kind known to yachtsmen who play with their boats at sea… cruising, it is called. Voyaging belongs to seamen, and to the wanderers of the world who cannot, or will not, fit in. If you are contemplating a voyage and you have the means, abandon the venture until your fortunes change. Only then will you know what the sea is all about. “I’ve always wanted to sail to the south seas, but I can’t afford it.” What these men can’t afford is not to go. They are enmeshed in the cancerous discipline of security. And in the worship of security we fling our lives beneath the wheels of routine – and before we know it our lives are gone. What does a man need – really need? A few pounds of food each day, heat and shelter, six feet to lie down in – and some form of working activity that will yield a sense of accomplishment. That’s all – in the material sense, and we know it. But we are brainwashed by our economic system until we end up in a tomb beneath a pyramid of time payments, mortgages, preposterous gadgetry, playthings that divert our attention for the sheer idiocy of the charade. The years thunder by, the dreams of youth grow dim where they lie caked in dust on the shelves of patience. Before we know it, the tomb is sealed. Where, then, lies the answer? In choice. Which shall it be: bankruptcy of purse or bankruptcy of life?”

[BlacqueJacqueShellacqueParticipant 6890]

Outstanding! I lived on my tiny boat for a year sparcs. It was the best year of my adult life. Great post! Thank you.

[sparcsParticipant 130]

BlacqueJacqueShellacque wrote:

Outstanding! I lived on my tiny boat for a year sparcs. It was the best year of my adult life. Great post! Thank you.

Thanks Jacque, this is something I came across on a sailing forum and I keep it in a file to read every once in a while. Helps keep things in perspective.

Your being a liveaboard for a year is terrific. I’m sure its helped you stay focused on the important things in life.
I’m giving it some serious thought as well. I have some thinking/planning to do as I’m in my 50’s. Sailing is in the lead for me right now.
As a matter of fact, I think I’ll post another inspiring sailing/freedom themed post as soon as I find the file.

[Joey AlfioParticipant]

Reminds me of the Hornblower series I still watch to this day.

Δεν υπάρχει τίποτε αδύνατο γι’ αυτόν που θα προσπαθήσει. - Μέγας Αλέξανδρος

[sparcsParticipant 130]

Joey Alfio wrote:

Reminds me of the Hornblower series I still watch to this day.

I used to read Horatio Hornblower novels years ago:) Some of the best story telling I can remember. Maybe time to re-read again now.

[sparcsParticipant 130]

The land version.

A contractor pal has a real nice truck camper and a car hauler.

He lives seasonaly.

Camos on state land.

Just him his dinner plate and rig to maintain.

Yep, RV living is a great way to go as well. I’ve studied it as well:)
I’ve always envied the Americans that have nice weather north in the summer and come winter, head south.

[Freeman_KParticipant 3524]

Nice qoute, book The Long way by Bernard Moitessier is similar in message.

The choices we make, not the chances we take, determine our destiny

[sparcsParticipant 130]

Freeman_K wrote:

Nice qoute, book The Long way by Bernard Moitessier is similar in message.

Thanks, Freeman_k. I started to read that book, I have to finish it yet.
Many sailors quote that book as part of their inspiration. I suspect, as with so much of this reading, it doesn’t apply to just sailors.

[53ClicksUpParticipant 1345]

Hmm, I think I’ve just been kidding myself. What the hell am I waiting for?????

[sparcsParticipant 130]

53ClicksUp wrote:

Hmm, I think I’ve just been kidding myself. What the hell am I waiting for?????

Its a hard call. None of us know the right time to go.
Sustainability of the lifestyle is the key. Along with reasonable expectations.
I don’t need to have the biggest boat in the anchorage.

[PuniShredderParticipant 2268]

I have eliminated everything else in my life for the future except for sailing. All the plans I am making and everything I do is geared towards a sailing and traveling around the world lifestyle. I have never sailed before but I live in Florida USA so it’s a great place to learn and right now I’m concentrating on planning how I’m going to buy the boat, how I’m going to save the money to travel with and sustain myself. It’s all about the planning and learning phase right now. I’m very excited and inspired. Thanks for the inspirational post.

Be professional be polite but always have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

[sparcsParticipant 130]

PuniShredder wrote:

I have eliminated everything else in my life for the future except for sailing. All the plans I am making and everything I do is geared towards a sailing and traveling around the world lifestyle. I have never sailed before but I live in Florida USA so it’s a great place to learn and right now I’m concentrating on planning how I’m going to buy the boat, how I’m going to save the money to travel with and sustain myself. It’s all about the planning and learning phase right now. I’m very excited and inspired. Thanks for the inspirational post.

You’re welcome Shreddage. Good luck with your planning. I think that’s half the fun.

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