Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of funny looks and interesting questions when I tell people that I live on a sailboat, and that I’ll be leaving my career to just “go sailing”. Here are some of the more common questions with some honest answers.
Q: How on earth can you afford this? Are you independently wealthy or something?
A: Nope. Financially speaking, it’s not that far out of reach. You just have to be responsible with your money. Give up certain things – like that $6 Starbucks every day or that dinner out every night. It all adds up. As far as the boat purchase, they’re really not much more than a car unless you picture yourself on a brand new shiny 60-foot sailboat. I had two cars; I sold my prized BMW and kept my 10-year old Jeep, and this enabled me to buy a boat built in 1982. Here’s a breakdown of living expenses: Food $300/month, slip fees $300/month + $200/month for liveaboards (this can all be avoided if anchored out), cell phone $80/month, insurance $20/month, maintenance $100/month, storage $30/month. That’s $1030/month – and this can be reduced to $530/month if living out at anchor. Really, that’s it. Now add on to that automobile gasoline since I still have a car and commute, investments/debts, splurging on dinner every now and then…again, it just comes down to financial responsibility.
Q: What? How do you just go live on a boat? You can’t do that!
A: Well you can. And I am.
Q: But aren’t you worried about making money in this economy?
A: No, not really. Notwithstanding the lower living expenses, I work hard at everything I do and make things happen. I wanted to fly fighter jets for the Air Force. Check. Now I want to live on a sailboat. I’ll make it work. As the saying goes, “leap and the net will appear”.
Q: So you’re not going to contribute to society?
A: False. See my Purpose on my home page. I’ll be contributing just as any other photographer & writer does. Besides, after ten years of service and two deployments to Afghanistan, try telling me that I haven’t contributed my share…
Q: How can you live without a set schedule or routine?
A: How can you live with a set schedule and a routine? When I’m aboard, I don’t look at the time. I use my internal clock and the sun, and my activities are dictated by the weather. It seems crazy until you try it, then it becomes addicting!
Q: What about all of your stuff?
A: That’s the problem with “stuff”. Up until last year, I lived in 2,000 sq-ft houses by myself. I had to buy things to fill these spaces and increase my social status. Then with every move for my job I had to lug this stuff around, like a ball and chain. So, just prior to moving aboard the boat, I sold all of my furniture and most other “replaceables” to a man who makes his living selling second-hand goods (my contribution to the economic stimulus). The rest of what I have I put in a storage closet (I didn’t have much left). I can’t even begin to describe how liberating that felt! I know it was just couches and tables, but it still felt like a big weight off my shoulders!
Q: What do you do without cable?
A: Is this a serious question?
Q: What’s your first destination?
A: I’m not sure. When that day comes, I’m going to sail east out of the Pamlico River, and when I hit the Atlantic, either turn right or left.
Q: Why?
A: See Becoming a Liveaboard for a short explanation.
