Lost at Sea: Poverty and Paradise Collide at the Edge of America

by Joe Kloc

A deeply personal nine-year account of the lives of the “anchor-outs”—an unhoused community living off the California coast on abandoned boats—that explores the struggles and resilience of those surviving on the fringes of society
In the wake of the financial crisis, the number of anchor-outs living in Richardson Bay more than doubled as their long-simmering feud with the wealthy residents of Marin County—one of the richest counties in the country—finally boiled over.

Many of the shoreline’s well-heeled yacht club members and mansion owners blamed their unhoused neighbors for rising crime on the waterfront. Meanwhile, local politicians accused them of destroying the Bay Area’s marine ecosystem and demanded their eviction. When the pandemic broke out, a slew of city and regional authorities heeded the call: they seized and crushed the anchor-outs’ boats, arresting dissenters as they dismantled one of the nation’s oldest unhoused communities.

Kloc’s near-decade-long firsthand account of the joys, hardships, and eventual demise of the anchor-outs is in many ways the story of being poor in America. Examining the profit-driven policies that exacerbate the contemporary housing crisis, Lost at Sea weaves together tales of comradery and survival on the anchorage with the rich history of the region, from the creation of unspeakable wealth during the San Francisco Gold Rush era to the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and fire of 1906, when the first unhoused people dropped their anchors in Marin County.

Along the way, Kloc discovers the quiet beauty of the world the anchor-outs built: how they’ve learned to care for each other, band together to fend off real estate developers and NIMBY neighbors, and fight for a way of life that is entirely unrecognizable to those on shore. Lost at Sea explores the often overlooked world of poverty and homelessness that exists in even the wealthiest enclaves of America, where people who have fallen on hard times struggle to rebuild their lives among those who would rather just wish them away.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Audiobook, Biography

272 pages, Hardcover

Published April 15, 2025

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just north of San Francisco in Marin County is Richardson Bay and the city of Sausalito. This location is where the book takes place, with stories and life experiences by a community of people called anchor-outs.

They live in the bay on boats not sanctioned by any government agency so the city and harbor master take to removing the boats. When someone isn’t living in one every day, the boat is impounded then destroyed. Although some called the people unhoused before they lost their boat, now they really are homeless.

This is a collection of stories but lacks solutions or other commentary than just stating what this community has experienced over the past ten years or so.

People have been living in boats for a long time, over a hundred years, since the time of the great earthquake in San Francisco in 1906. Some of the current community members have been living on their boats for decades. This is not a new community. Except the number of boats expanded by nearly double when the financial crisis hit.

Marin County is a wealthy community and some residents complained about their view. There were complaints about the anchor-outs polluting the waters, although no ecological testing proved this was an issue.

The author spent nearly ten years visiting these people, hearing their stories and at times living with them. When nearly all of the boats had been impounded and torn up a tent city erupted. Kloc slept in the tents for a few days as well, this being around the time of the pandemic.

Kloc and some of the anchor-outs attend city council meetings. It becomes very eye-opening when you realize a city, or other government agency is willing to spend thousands of dollars, in this case close to half a million dollars, on legal fees to evict and otherwise harass these unhoused individuals. None of this money is spent on providing any relief for these people.

Something missing from this book is more information on the house boats that are legally in the bay. They are mentioned very briefly but not deeply enough to provide context. How is it that there is a community of people living on boats in the bay accepted and others are not. It may just boil down to money, as usual, but this part of the story is lacking.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much of a conclusion to the book either. No solutions or options were provided, it really is just a collection of stories about some of the people’s lives who lived in the bay in unusual living conditions.


Book rating: 3.75 stars


Thanks to Dey Street Books and NetGalley for an uncorrected electronic advance review copy of this book. However, I listened to a published audiobook copy of the book.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite the interesting story of the anchor outs and their plight with the city of Sausalito. I can't really say much more other that what the book synopsis tells you, but I think it was worth reading except for some dragging along and repetition here and there. Thanks to Goodreads and William Morrow for the Uncorrected Proof to read/review.

[Susan Tunis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting non-fiction book taking place right across the Bay from me. It deals with social issues of interest to me, namely homelessness and issues of class, with an intriguing maritime twist. Unfortunately, it suffers from me having recently read Kevin Fagan's excellent The Lost and the Found about the homeless in San Francisco, which is simply a better book in every way. This one is merely so-so.

[Sheri S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up not far from where this story took place; however, I was not aware of all this happening. It was interesting to learn about the different residents of the floating community. I am not surprised by the lack of support from the Sausalito City Council. As the author stated, this is a very affluent community and having these homeless individuals in close proximity probably does not make the majority of residents happy.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aside from the swearing, I enjoyed this book. I am very familiar with Marin County and Sausalito and the homeless. Joe Kloc spent 2015-2023 (a little follow up in 2024) interviewing and living with the anchor outs and the homeless in Sausalito. There a just a few people that he centers his narration on, but mention is made on 148 of one that I know--Peter. In the last chapters, a little more is told about Peter and his church and helping people. He and another man were the last 2 surviving anchor outs left in 2023 according to Mr. Kloc.
It is so sad to read about the intolerance that some people have for the homeless. The city council of Sausalito and the mayor seemed to be really uncaring. According to this author, most homeless are not mentally ill or drug addicted--some have just fallen on hard times because of lost jobs and not being able to afford a place to live.
There is history included in the narration including the Gold Rush, the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the ship-building for the war, the immigrants that were brought in to work, and the people choosing to anchor out as a way to have housing.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is definitely a 5-star story, but I found the experience of reading/listening to this book to be really tedious for some reason.

If you have lived in the Bay Area this is required reading for sure. Especially right now with some of Newsom’s decisions around housing and homelessness.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, goodreads, for the ARC of Lost at Sea. I really enjoyed this book from beginning to the end, even when it was hard to read how the anchor outs were being treated. This book brings the realities of how much of a gap between the very rich and very poor. It makes you think about the level of poverty in America that many average Americans don't realize is happening right in their own communities and backyards. Definitely recommend!!

[Tom Callahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started to write a review, and realized I was summarizing the book. If you want a summary, read the book jacket.

If you are expecting a high-octane mystery thriller, you are going to be disappointed. But, if you are expecting an exceptionally well researched and smoothly written human interest story, you will be delighted. It's not a pretty tale with a happy ending; it is a real story about real people. It's not a book of answers; (it actually raises a few disturbing questions), but it is a book about empathy and the potential grandeur of endurance.

Kloc has done an excellent job of providing the reader with a very personal look at some of the people who struggle every day to remain independent and self-determining even though they are poor and without options to end that poverty. Most are not crazy, lazy, or recalcitrant. But they are often unlucky, frequently misused by politicians and agencies that are supposed to help them, and invariably misunderstood and misrepresented in the press. And, as Kloc does an excellent job of revealing, they are unfortunately not unique in history.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a uncorrected proof paper back copy of Lost at sea from a goodereads giveaway.

I have been to Sausalito California once when I was younger for a day or two. I had no idea that people lived on boats on RIchardson bay.

Lost at sea talks to some of the Anchor-outs, residents of sausalito, tells some of the history of the area. One Anchor-out named Inate Thought comes into some money and moves to Arizona and the author writes about him throughout the book. My favorite Anchor-out was Larry.

I enjoyed reading about William Ralston who started the bank of California. I had never heard of him before.

I was unaware that if you lived on a boat like the anchor-outs that they were considered homeless. It seemed like they had homes to me its just that the homes were a boat not on land.

After reading the book I thought about it. Why did Sausalito think that taking everything the anchor-outs had; their boats and stuff in them would do anything but, force the Anchor-outs into worse living conditions. Living on a boat seems like better living conditions than having to live in a park crowded with other people in tents.

How come if you have money you are respected but, if you have no money you are harassed until you leave? or have to live in miserable conditions. I thought politicians should have said to the anchor-outs how can we help you. Instead it seemed like they said how can we make the anchor-outs lives more miserable.

The book also talks about the waste water treatment plant spills after hard rains. I have never thought much about waste water spill but, now I know they do happen.

So I liked Lost at Sea and I felt down after reading it. I wish the anchor-outs could have gotten help from Sausalito instead of being harassed, having their boats and possessions destroyed and forced to move into a homeless camp or go somewhere else.

[RxReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe Kloc’s Lost at Sea is a deeply compelling and humanizing exploration of an unhoused community living on the periphery of one of the nation’s wealthiest regions. Through his immersive nine-year investigation, Kloc paints a vivid and empathetic picture of the “anchor-outs” of Richardson Bay—a group of individuals surviving on abandoned boats amidst the stark contrasts of poverty and privilege.

This book shines as both a work of investigative journalism and a poignant social commentary. Kloc brings the community to life, showcasing their resilience, solidarity, and the unique culture they’ve built, while exposing the systemic forces and profit-driven policies that seek to erase them. The juxtaposition of these marginalized lives against Marin County’s opulent backdrop is striking and thought-provoking, forcing readers to grapple with America’s growing housing inequality.

The narrative masterfully weaves history, from the Gold Rush to modern real estate conflicts, to contextualize the enduring struggles of those who have been pushed to society’s edges. The destruction of the anchor-outs’ boats and their community during the pandemic adds a heartbreaking urgency to the story.

Lost at Sea is not just a chronicle of survival; it’s a call to reevaluate how we, as a society, address homelessness and inequality. A must-read for anyone interested in social justice, housing policy, or human stories that challenge preconceived notions about life on the margins.

[Steve Peifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost at Sea frames homelessness in a different light: how does a wealthy community respond to homeless people living on abandoned boats in their adjoining harbor?

Homelessness is a complicated issue, but the usual response is to kick the can down the road so it can be someone else’s problem. It’s challenging because there aren’t easy solutions, and there can be lots at stake for both sides.

You can believe two very different things can both be true:

1. At one point, someone says they seized seven of my boats. The truth is that none of the boats were his, and that presumption is a real part of the problem.
2. How we treat the least of them will define us as a country.

I admire how the author really made an effort to get to know homeless people, and hearing them helps you understand how difficult it will be to find solutions. I thought he didn’t do the same work of listening to the real concerns of people who live in the communities.

It’s a hard book to read. It’s worth your time.

[Nancy Gisvold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made a very strong impression on me. It is the story of a community of individuals struggling to live life on their own terms and being blocked by society and government at all turns. It is the story un homeless, unhoused people, trying to live and being blocked by almost everyone else. They are not treated as human beings by the city who doesn't want to accept the fact that they should provide them help to live a decent life. They are living on derelict boats in the bay because there is no place on land for them to live. Despite the city receiving millions of dollars in grants to be used to provide shelter, the city refuses to do it. The book follows the lives of certain individuals as they try to survive. The author makes to feel like you are part of the community and are involved directly in their lives. It is an important book and I am glad to have read it. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC which I received.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of the "anchor-outs", which is a group of homeless people living on abandoned boats in Richardson Bay. The bay is located in Sausalito, which is just outside of San Francisco.

The community of people living on the bay began in the early 1900's, after so many people in the area lost their homes after the devastating earthquake and fire in 1906. Over the years, the reasons for homelessness changed, but the community continued on.

The author tells the story of the battle between the anchor-outs and the rest of the community. As is often the case, the community doesn't want the homeless in "their backyard", but also doesn't want to come up with any solutions.

This is an indepth look at homelessness in one specific community, but can apply anywhere. The author shares stories of the people he meets over his nearly 10 years investigating this story. Well written and eye opening.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

First let me say I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. It is far from the type of book I would generally choose but I'm always open to new reads/authors/topics. This book did not do it for me though. The story behind the book was interesting, there were many interesting characters but there didn't seem to be enough of a story for the length of the book. There were points where the story was almost like a diary of my daily life would be. Not the events but "today I went to the library to get a book and ran into Joe, then we walked to the store and I saw Bill and he had his cat..."
The battle between the anchor-outs and the local government was interesting but the building up of the characters just didn't do it for me. Towards the end he spoke of one member who seemed to have suceeded in getting out. His story telling of his conversations with Innate after his move to Arizona were interesting as was him helping find Innate's brother Dream.

[Taylor Steckbauer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book on a goodreads giveaway assuming it was a nonfiction story about someone who ventured too far and was literally “lost at sea” which I would’ve found interesting. This story is actually about the anchor outs and the community demanding their eviction. “Poverty and paradise collide at the edge of america”. So I think that is the reason for my disappointment. It’s not a topic that interests me. I should have read the description before submitting to win. There was some interesting aspects to the story but most of it was a bit drug out for me and I was questioning why it was part of the story. I do think it will be a hit for other nonfiction readers though!

[Joyce Babyak · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lost at Sea" is a beautifully written book. The author treats the anchor outs with such respect and honesty that the reader cannot help but see their humanity. He pays equal attention to the historical dynamics between the anchor outs and the politics of a wealthy community dealing with their presence. I also appreciate the way that he shows the good heartedness of many people of Sausalito, providing services, meals and shelter for the anchor outs. "Lost at Sea" leaves me wondering how this story might have ended differently for all involved. But more than that, it reminds me of the beautiful and sad complexities of life.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, which highlights the lives of the "anchor-outs," a group of people living on boats in Sausalito, and considered by most to be unhoused. This was a very interesting juxtaposition to a book on homelessness I just read that focused mostly on data and policy.

Here is how I tend to rate books:
5 stars - outstanding, would read multiple times and keep in my personal library
4 stars - great book that I thoroughly enjoyed
3 stars - average read but would recommend to others
2 stars - would not recommend to others
1 star - I don't give these out as I would just DNF

I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway and was asked to give my honest review.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author shares their unique perspective as he journey’s into the land - actually, no land - of anchor-outs, those living in abandoned boats off the sea of California. Some reviews made me think it would be a monotonous read, but personally, I found it to be engaging. It’s evocative and enlightening to get a close up view of what this particular group in poverty went through. Homelessness maybe a difficult reality to face, but one that we should look into, understand more, and help lift up those who are struggling.

[Meghan Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books stick with you after you put them down. Lost at Sea falls into that category. Joe Kloc offers a smoothly written (as noted by another reviewer) account of the anchor-outs he comes to know over a nine-year period and how their lives change over that decade. I appreciated the diversity of people that the book introduces and the personal relationships the author fosters. Kloc offers no answers but raises important, complex questions about what it means to be without a home on land and how communities can respond to those in need of support.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book brings attention to a unique (and yet in some ways representative) group of people affected by the homelessness crisis in the USA. Similar to people living in RVs, they are unstably housed for a variety of reasons and at risk for further harm. The author immersed himself in their lives to get a better understanding of the structural, legal, and community barriers and opposition to positive change. I wasn't a huge fan of the writing, I found Kloc to sometimes ramble and bring in information that I didn't understand the relevance, but overall it was easily accessible to a reader.

[Franny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling portrait of a small group of people seeking refuge from the hardships of modern life, as well as a powerful critique of the indifference shown by Sausalito's land-dwellers. As cities across America criminalize homelessness and push encampments out of sight, Kloc’s empathetic portrayal of the anchor-outs offers a revealing glimpse into how future generations may view our era: a hard-hearted society that decided to ignore the humanity of its most vulnerable.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you goodreads and Dey Street Books for the ARC of Lost at Sea. 
I visited Sausolito many years ago on a trip up the West Coast, but other than looking out of the rental car window and seeing some little boats in the distance, I paid them no mind.
I was shocked when I received this book and found that, contrary to my original impression of cute little boats bobbing on the water, they were often giant rusty/home made constructions at odds with the land-based residents of Sausolito.
What follows in this meticulously researched book covering a span of many years, is a social and non-partisan political commentary, where we focus on the lives of the people in the boats and get to know some key characters. Although at times it does feel a little like reading a well written newspaper article, this book was very interesting and extremely readable.
I'll probably be sprouting facts about eel grass and jurisdictions to anyone who will listen next time I visit San Fransisco.
Meticulously researched and well written 7/10
Staging Outcome: BookBox

[Emil Babyak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just shy of a decade, accumulating research pertaining to the anchor out community of Sausalito, Joe Kloc weaves a tale of survival. Bringing a compassionate insight to a persecuted group, by a rich and powerful town. The depth of character development truly brings the reader to a revaluation of how the destruction of the anchor outs homes without legal justification. The story Mr Kloc tells may be the redefining of what it is to be an American.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that tugs on your emotions. It is aptly put as poverty and paradise collide. It also deals with the age old battle for control where in the final end, if you follow the money, guess who eventually wins out. Homelessness is not a localized issue, it is worldwide and this story which deals with the town of Sausalito, California is probably no different than most cities in the world. The pull and shove are constant. There are no true winners. Ready yourself for ride !

[Pam Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can really tell that the author is passionate about the topic and has put a lot of effort into researching this topic. I think the stories are poignant and a significant part of the story and are told with empathy. This topic can be repeated all across our country and hopefully can be told with the same passion as Kloc. Knowledge is power. A good read.

[M Clausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about this subculture of a anchor-outs trying to live in Sausalito. It really shows the contrast between those who have a lot and those who have very little. It was well-researched and extremely interesting.

[Clementine Jukes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling and carefully reported account of a quirky + tight knit community living on the sea off Sausalito. Had no idea these so called 'anchor outs' existed before this book. Really careful, thoughtful, and incisive journalism of the kind rarely seen today

[David Becker · Rating 2 out of 5]

A made it about halfway through before I gave up on the author’s bias. In his (New Yorker’s) eye, all Sausalito residents are greedy, cruel bastards and the anchor-outs colorful and inspiring remnants of the era of blah, blah, blah. God forbid there should be any shades of gray in the story.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-opening, exceedingly well-researched, compassionately told.

[Tamara Barringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrative is a little jumbled; switching from the events of one year to another, and back again. The subject is interesting and written with an understanding of the characters.