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

There are a lot of books out there on this subject…and if you’re serious, you’ll read a large number of them. However, this book should be your FIRST purchase. Trust me, I’ve read the Hiscock’s, the Pardey’s, Kretschmer, etc., and these are great sources of information. BUT, this book is where you want to start.

Why…?? Rick and Jasna (great name) put forth a wonderful overview on the cruising lifestyle and all it has to offer; from thinking about doing it…to dropping anchor in yet another, amazing location. What they don’t do is bore with with the minutiae of each subject. Plenty of time for that later through the other authors mentioned…and more, such as Hal Roth and Peter Bruce. “Get Real, Get Gone” is very informative…and it is entertaining. They DO have a sense of humor.

And Tom Cunliffe says, “Don’t even think of buying a boat until you have read this book.” (Don’t know who Tom is…?? You will…)

Rick and Jasna, with their very relaxed style, provide you with ample information for you to decide as to whether or not you should begin the process of cruising on a sailboat, with the possibility of becoming...a sea gypsy.

I don't often write reviews here, but I just finished reading this book, and I cannot say enough good things about it. An incredibly easy read ( cover to cover in less than two days for me,) and enjoyable to boot. This reads like getting advice from a trusted friend, and at no time did I feel like I was being sold a dream or given the business.

I have been a wannabe sea gypsy since I can remember, and this book not only doles out advice on the how to but also the why. I had had it in my cart for weeks before pulling the trigger on it, and wish I would have done it sooner. I already owned Annie Hill's "Voyaging on a Small Income" and have read that numerous times, and this will sit right next to that treasure in equal esteem on any bookshelf I own, on land or at sea. I find it to be every bit as inspiring as that tome, but Rick Page has made the dream seem even more attainable. I may even start rereading it this evening.

"Get Real, Get Gone" is a must read if you dream of living a life with more meaning while freeing yourself from the trappings of "Civilized" society.

Rick, if you and Jasna read these reviews, I owe you two a beer, and hope to make good on that promise in the next few years. Keep it Real!

I would give it negative stars if I could. I think he is trying to keep people from actually considering a sailing life. He is so cranky and negative throughout the entire book. Oh, and the pages randomly fall out. Don’t buy this book. Unless you like grouchy, negative writers, and books that fall apart.

This is little more than a pamphlet. When I'm reading a sailing book I don't want to be lectured on the environment, or scolded for being a capitalist! This book was boring and halfway through it, I tossed it into the trash can where it belongs. What a waste of money!

I don't understand ALL the positive reviews. This book is meh at best... There must be a plethora of books on this exact subject with better content. This review is funnier and more profound than any of the text. Proceed with caution mateys.

The book had some great information for those of us who are new to the cruising life or are working diligently to attain it. Like all books about sailing, you get the authors first hand perspective which is good. The down side is, this book could have been 25% shorter if the author didn't go into so many long diatribes about items being expensive. For example, the author tells us a part costs $600. Ok, I understand it's expensive, then proceeds to give me a paragraph about how all manner of people are making money on it and editorializing about how he believes they are spending the money. The book would have been better if he kept to his experience on sailing.

The info the writer shares is written in a way anyone can understand. Not only that he makes it so its not overwhelming. His point of views are views I think majority of people have. Realistic and not too complicated. Anyone can do it kind of advice. A must read. It has pushed my partner and I to have the courage to actually get a sail boat sooner than later.

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!

If you have always dreamed of sailing away from the mainland, this book is your best chance to make it a reality. The book provides fantastic insight into the lives of modern sea gypsies Rick and Jasna. The provide information on which hull shapes are recommended, what to look for in your boat (and what to avoid), they also give great advice on maintaining your vessel and what to avoid.

This book was just the push I needed to make a purchase and can say that the authors even offered to help by providing their expertise in helping me on my quest to find a boat. They are real people that want to help folks like me, landlocked and working 5 days a week.

That itself is worth its weight in gold! I highly recommend the book!

Rick and Jasna prove that it's possible for anyone who dreams of sailing away to really make it happen. The book is detailed and direct, with snarky anecdotes to illustrate their point. Being a sea gypsy is first of all a mental state - you'll learn how to think in order to be a successful traveller - which you can start doing right now, before you ever set sail. Of course, you'll also learn how to pick a boat and outfit it, along with heaps of other practical advice.

This book gave my wife and me the kick in the pants to stop dreaming and start sailing.