For
nearly a decade I have tried to convince friends and strangers that
my Sea Gypsy Tribe concept is an excellent strategy for
dealing with possible societal catastrophes. Unfortunately, my
attempts have been mostly ignored.
But
now, with the global repercussions from the Wuhan Virus; and the
riots and bedlam in the USA dominating our daily lives, it is a good
time to renew my efforts. I also like the symbolic value of doing so
in 2020, since 20/20 vision signifies clarity.
One
of the criticisms directed towards writers like myself, is that we
point out problems, but never advance solutions. This is definitely
untrue in my case. For years and years, I have written essays that
offer a genuine and specific strategy for dealing with looming
disasters.
These
suggestions have not been vague, unicorn dreams. Instead, they have
been achievable proposals, presented with considerable detail. They
also have been tested and re-evaluated through the years. Here is my
foundational concept.
I believe that an ocean-ready sailboat is the best escape platform for any type of disaster.
They
are the ultimate self-sufficiency vessel. They are remarkably
affordable, when compared to a house. And because our misnamed
planet is 70% water, they can take you to a lot of hiding places.
Here is a short summary of how self-reliant these sailing homes are.
*******
Wind
generators and solar panels have been used reliably aboard sailing
boats for decades. If either of these are insufficient for a brief
period, the ship’s diesel engine can supply plenty of vital
electricity. Reverse osmosis water-makers provide more than enough
fresh water. And the cheaper alternative of catching rainwater, has
served me admirably for over 30 years.
It
is easy to stock up on grocery store non-perishable foods to provide
carbs. For protein, I can access about 6 different varieties of
canned meats. My pantry also has jumbo cans of freeze-dried, “just
add boiling water” meals that will stay fresh for decades.
I
could literally sail away today and eat pleasantly for many months
without re-provisioning. Plus, these store-bought foods can be
supplemented with the delicious bounty of the sea and the shore.
Short
range communication is achieved with VHF radios that have about a 15
mile range. More importantly, SSB and HAM units can broadcast and
receive world-wide. And they are usually the last form of comms to
go down, since they do not rely on the Grid or on satellites.
Speaking
of signals from the sky, GPS units provide extraordinarily accurate
navigation. If this system is disabled, (perhaps by an EMP attack)
then one can fall back on the old skills that got Captain Cook around
the world a few times. There are a few excellent self-teaching books
for celestial navigation. I remain quite skilled with my sextant,
and it is not that tough to master.
The
creature comforts on a modern, affordable sailboat are quite plush.
They have small but efficient galleys, decent showers and pleasant
entertainment-at- sea options.
Most
sailors have a library of movies on DVD, plenty of music and
old-fashioned board games. These are still enjoyed among blue-water
sailors. And to top it all off, there is the exquisite joy of living
a natural, authentic and free life. Viewing the dazzling canopy of
stars, from the deck of your sailing home, while being powered by the
wind, is my idea of ecstasy.
*******
Now
that I have described the amazing survival advantages of ocean-going
sailboats, let me discuss their tactical value. Those of us who
argue that our planet’s systems are dangerously interconnected and
fragile, are often ridiculed as “kooks that see danger around every
corner.”
But
the recent pandemic and the ongoing race riots, have proven that
conditions can deteriorate swiftly and violently. And just imagine
how much more chaotic the situation would become if the Grid was down
or there were food shortages or if the EBT cards were not working.
History
shows that when people are faced with the choice between starvation
and marauding, they maraud. And so, even though I
enthusiastically applaud preppers who have the foresight to plan
ahead, I fear that they lack an enormous advantage that the Sea Gypsy
Tribes possess - THE ABILITY TO FLEE. How many survivalists,
who have been watching the mobs rampage through the cities, are now
doubting their ability to protect their family and property?
Allow
me to describe the approach that a sea gypsy would take in responding
to the virus and the rioting. The mortality rate of the WuFlu, has
been significantly less than initially predicted and feared. Had it
been worse, I would have just sailed 25 miles out to sea and
monitored the situation via radio. I am equipped to survive
comfortably there for many months. This is the ultimate form of
quarantine. Then, when the threat had passed, I would return to
shore.
If
rioting arrived in my vicinity I would employ the same strategy –
FLEE TO THE SEA! When things stabilized, I would return to
shore, re-provision and decide what to do next.
This
“escape and then return” option works fine for an individual, a
couple or a family. But when the situation becomes more dangerous,
being part of a tribe of like-minded sailors would be preferable.
Here is a simple guide to getting one started.
*******
At
this very moment there are tens of thousands of live-aboard cruisers
scattered all around the planet. They are happily living on their
boats in marinas or at anchor.
If
you are one of these, and if you also worry about the possibility of
societal catastrophe, you should
band together with other like-minded sailors. It is easy enough to
distinguish between those
who think that “everything is just fine” and those who sense that
the world is “teetering on the edge of calamity.”
My
conviction is that a fleet of between 6 and 10 boats is the ideal
tribe size. Less does not improve one’s survival potential, and
more makes the flotilla less manageable and more detectable.
The
little ships must all be very seaworthy given the “weakest link”
vulnerability issues. The crews must be alert, intelligent,
easy-going and skilled. That last attribute does not just apply to
sailing skill, but to other valuable abilities. Doctors, nurses,
diesel mechanics, celestial navigators, electronic techs and combat
vets would be valued in any tribe.
Selection
should be slanted towards younger cruisers, but senior sailors who
have stayed in good physical shape would be welcomed. Families with
kids are the apex unit for the tribe, just in case the civilizational
breakdown is truly severe.
Organize
practice sails where you all head for a nearby anchorage and then
spend a few days discussing preparations and tactics. The baseline
position is to have your tanks topped off at all times. This means
water, propane, diesel and gasoline.
Your
non-perishable food supply should always remain full and when an
emergency arrives all that is required is purchasing perishable foods
and final top-offs of water and diesel.
Establish
an offshore rendezvous position with latitude and longitude
co-ordinates. You do not want to depart as a group, but
individually. Do not call attention to yourselves with your
preparations.
Finally,
give your tribe a name. The format that I created, combines the name
of a famous human sailor with the name of an ocean animal. Mine is
called The Slocum/Pelican Tribe. Design yourselves a small flag if
you are so inclined. This is a nice project for the kids.
If you strangers out there have a sincere desire to form a Sea Gypsy Tribe, feel free to email me at: seagypsyphilosopher@gmail.com. I will do my best to assist you.
Also,
there are 7 or 8 other essays on this topic scattered through my
blog. My thinking has evolved since first proposing this concept,
and that’s why I am doing this 2020 update. But most of that
content is still totally relevant. Here is a link to one of my best
“how to” articles, that should prove to be very helpful.
Good
luck out there! May our tribes one day meet!!!