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Off The Grid: How I quit the rat race and live for free aboard a sailboat
Introduction I went from working 60 hours a week and getting nowhere to working three months a year and going everywhere. Now, I survive off the grid and close to nature, the way we were intended to free.s Throughout my 20s, my 30s and 40s, I worked various construction jobs, lived in the Caribbean aboard a sailboat, owned a restaurant, got married and divorced, and raised two kids. There were highs and lows, but one I spent a lot of time working, working, and working some more – and still stressing about money. Finally, in 2013, I spent $12,500 to buy a sturdy 39-foot Ericson sailboat that needed a little work. Since then, I’ve been living full-time aboard the Gypsea Soul, on the water. I outfitted her with rainwater catchment tanks, plus solar panels to power my freezer and navigation instruments. I am usually on the move or keep my boat anchored out in the water, so that I don't have to pay marinas any rent. This let me clear up my debts, and in turn, freed my spirit. Living on a boat, I've met a wild cast of characters and had a ton of adventures -- hilarious ones, but scary ones, too. In the following pages, I'll share those adventures with you, as well as some how-to information for anyone curious about following a similar path. In between chapters, I've interspersed some of my insights, just as I wrote them, taken straight from my Captain's Log. (Don't call it a “diary”! LOL.) I hope that as you read this book, you will feel sailingas though you’re along with me, fruity island drink by your side, the salt and wind in your hair, lost in the amazement of the sea. Most of all, I hope you'll be inspired to go after whatever's been pulling on your heart.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2017
166 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 14, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
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Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/dorado-30-fo...
https://numberoneboats.com/dorado-30-...
https://theboatyacht.com/sessa-dorado...
https://numberoneboats.com/sessa-dora...
June 29, 2018
A breath of fresh air!
Disclaimer: I am a rookie sailor who plans to go “ off the hook” in five years with my lovely ex-Navy Husband. I may be a novice to the ways of marinal life (we just made our first voyage from Florida around the Abacos in our 35’ monohull) but I appreciate a motivational read. This book was educational in sharing exactly what it’s like to live on a sailboat full time from one man’s perspective, but also the philosophical ponderings on life that the Author shares throughout the book are inspirational. They urge one to look at the high maintenance lives our culture mandates are the key to happiness in contrast to a life where we prioritize our peace of mind over anything else. The style of writing matches this philosophy - there was clearly no overpaid editor assigned to “sculpt” this book with clever syntax. The Author’s stories are unfiltered, simple and uncomplicated. Well done!
Disclaimer: I am a rookie sailor who plans to go “ off the hook” in five years with my lovely ex-Navy Husband. I may be a novice to the ways of marinal life (we just made our first voyage from Florida around the Abacos in our 35’ monohull) but I appreciate a motivational read. This book was educational in sharing exactly what it’s like to live on a sailboat full time from one man’s perspective, but also the philosophical ponderings on life that the Author shares throughout the book are inspirational. They urge one to look at the high maintenance lives our culture mandates are the key to happiness in contrast to a life where we prioritize our peace of mind over anything else. The style of writing matches this philosophy - there was clearly no overpaid editor assigned to “sculpt” this book with clever syntax. The Author’s stories are unfiltered, simple and uncomplicated. Well done!
March 11, 2019
I enjoyed the book. I have ready plenty of books about people living on sailboats and sailing adventures around the world. This was a more laid back sailing book compared to the ones I have read that have true stories of sail boats caught in storms and flipped over and turned into survival books. I did like the author’s laid back style and his lifestyle. This was more low key and did not keep me wired up like the adventure books I have read. I do most of my reading before bed and this did not keep me awake like some other books do. This book is more about the author’s lifestyle and trying to sail to St. Thomas but deciding instead to go to the Keys instead of fighting the currents and wind getting back to St. Thomas where he lived for 4 years and had businesses that kept him too busy. He wanted to simplify his life but live on very little money which he did.
August 29, 2022
This book was very interesting on many levels. Not only did the author reveal a lot about himself and his family, but also about sailing. Throughout the book, the author educates the reader about the differences between a power boat and a sailboat.
The author goes into depth about how he lives off the grid. He shows the reader how he adapted to a less stressful life and invites the reader to do the same.
His interaction with other people is sometimes amusing, but always a learning experience. It is difficult for most of us to talk about our feelings and failures, but this author details his struggles and failures, and always learns to handle them and cope. He believes in a positive attitude.
This book was so easy to read. It felt like the author was right there talking to me. It's one of those books I might want to read again.
The author goes into depth about how he lives off the grid. He shows the reader how he adapted to a less stressful life and invites the reader to do the same.
His interaction with other people is sometimes amusing, but always a learning experience. It is difficult for most of us to talk about our feelings and failures, but this author details his struggles and failures, and always learns to handle them and cope. He believes in a positive attitude.
This book was so easy to read. It felt like the author was right there talking to me. It's one of those books I might want to read again.
August 27, 2023
Not great but not bad
I'm giving 3 stars because the author did something that most of us won't do...which is to write a book. The author obviously is not a writer, but, like many of us he has a story to tell. It gives me inspiration to do my own. This is one of the reasons I like amazon/kindle so much because an ordinary person can write a book. Although, I would only recommend this to someone who enjoys listening to others tell a story. If you're looking a for compelling well written story that flows then this probably isn't it. Anyway, kudos to the author for starting and finishing this.
I'm giving 3 stars because the author did something that most of us won't do...which is to write a book. The author obviously is not a writer, but, like many of us he has a story to tell. It gives me inspiration to do my own. This is one of the reasons I like amazon/kindle so much because an ordinary person can write a book. Although, I would only recommend this to someone who enjoys listening to others tell a story. If you're looking a for compelling well written story that flows then this probably isn't it. Anyway, kudos to the author for starting and finishing this.
January 31, 2019
Right the wrong way. changing coarse in sailing can be tacky, but if it gets you closer to your destination your almost there.
This book was a nice stroll, action packed adventure, and a time to reflect on your life’s course. Living off the grid took me to a place in my imagination that was pure joy. You might even learn to navigate life in the dark. If you read long enough you can’t help but appreciate the writer, his stories, and his many life’s lesson stitched together on a blue canvas highlighted by multicolored examples of life at sea.
This book was a nice stroll, action packed adventure, and a time to reflect on your life’s course. Living off the grid took me to a place in my imagination that was pure joy. You might even learn to navigate life in the dark. If you read long enough you can’t help but appreciate the writer, his stories, and his many life’s lesson stitched together on a blue canvas highlighted by multicolored examples of life at sea.
Read
July 3, 2021Positive Thinking is Key
I I’ve always been curious about sailing. I read this book so that I could learn a little about sailing. I found it interesting, learned a little and enjoyed his motto of thinking positively. I agree. Although surprised by some of his choices, I enjoyed hearing the various stories of his experiences on the water. And I learned. :) Captain Mark, I wish you well and hope you do spend the next 20 years off the grid living your dreams as you see fit. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
I I’ve always been curious about sailing. I read this book so that I could learn a little about sailing. I found it interesting, learned a little and enjoyed his motto of thinking positively. I agree. Although surprised by some of his choices, I enjoyed hearing the various stories of his experiences on the water. And I learned. :) Captain Mark, I wish you well and hope you do spend the next 20 years off the grid living your dreams as you see fit. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
November 23, 2020
This was an enjoying read. As a lover of the ocean and the beach, I was intrigued about the idea of living for free aboard a sail sailboat.I actually feel like I got more out of Mark's attitude of positivity and the desire to want less to save money. Certain parts of his stories definitely clanged against my personal beliefs, but I'm sure that's true of everybody. Definitely worth the time to read!
May 31, 2018
Inspiring and Realistic
I found the book very enjoyable and informative. I loved following his journey on the water and in buying his boats. I especially loved that the author understands that we all have different dreams, and laid out strategies in the last chapter that we can all use.
I found the book very enjoyable and informative. I loved following his journey on the water and in buying his boats. I especially loved that the author understands that we all have different dreams, and laid out strategies in the last chapter that we can all use.
February 22, 2020
The title of this book mislead me to believe it’d be about what to do to move off land and onto a sailboat. Instead, it was a self-published ego trip by a typical white dude with a lot of opinions. Rife with typos, outright misspellings, and WAY too many LOLs, I’d do just about anything to get my money back. Smooth sailing, Captain Mark, but you are NOT my cup of rum.
August 15, 2022
I would like to say that it's not always about how well the book is written, but the message it contains. Captain Reinhardt not only has a lot of experience on a boat, but experience in finding yourself, doing what you want to do, and going after your goals. People can write off a guy like this as crazy, but this is exactly the kinda guy I want to know.
March 18, 2018
Insightful personal account
Interesting account of one man's journey toward the life he desired. Has a number of tidbits of wisdom. An especially compelling story was how he helped an abused young woman become healed.
Interesting account of one man's journey toward the life he desired. Has a number of tidbits of wisdom. An especially compelling story was how he helped an abused young woman become healed.
July 6, 2019
Very interesting alternative way to live!
Very cool how author lives unplugged on sailboat.Down to earth writing style.Funny and entertaining.Look forward to any coming sequels.Good find.
Very cool how author lives unplugged on sailboat.Down to earth writing style.Funny and entertaining.Look forward to any coming sequels.Good find.
May 7, 2023
More of a personal story than anything with personal growth insights. I enjoyed the story, so I recommend it as something "completely different" and it does make you think. It does somewhat peeter out at the end as a tail. I wish the author well. Some inspiring ideas here and there!
September 17, 2017
Up lifting
After seeing this author documenting his journey after Hurricane Irma in Key West I wanted to read his book. I enjoyed it very much. I want more!
After seeing this author documenting his journey after Hurricane Irma in Key West I wanted to read his book. I enjoyed it very much. I want more!
October 21, 2017
Good read about living off the grid.
Especially enjoyed the parts where he mentions the cost of off grid living. A good guy living the dream. Thanks.
Especially enjoyed the parts where he mentions the cost of off grid living. A good guy living the dream. Thanks.
November 22, 2017
A very inspiring book!
Just a great read, unusual in that it has a thoroughly enjoyable storyline and is very uplifting. Thanks for writing this book!
Just a great read, unusual in that it has a thoroughly enjoyable storyline and is very uplifting. Thanks for writing this book!
June 19, 2018
Entertaining and informative
I needed to read this book. It has given me insight to what it takes to get off the grid. The first step is the most important. Read it to find out.
I needed to read this book. It has given me insight to what it takes to get off the grid. The first step is the most important. Read it to find out.
July 17, 2018
Fantastic!
Wonderful and inspiring book! Average person made a life changing and intelligent move! Wish you had ended up with the lady!
Wonderful and inspiring book! Average person made a life changing and intelligent move! Wish you had ended up with the lady!
April 26, 2020
Offensive and obnoxious views. Not worth the two cents. Author is a drunk and not worthy enough to believe.
June 28, 2018
Off the Grid is an account of one man's journey from working 60-hour weeks and getting nowhere to living life off the grid and finding fulfillment and freedom in a simpler way of life. The author shares how he bought and outfitted a relatively inexpensive sailboat, cleared his debts, and his adventures cruising in Florida and the Bahamas.
One of my favorite sections was about an encounter with a powerboat at night in the Bahamas which had run out of fuel. The author tells us how he towed their boat to the nearest port, but what makes this even more interesting was that he also shares accounts from both the husband and wife on the powerboat where they share their views about what must have been a very stressful experience. I also really enjoyed the diary-style entries where the author shares sections of his Captain's Log in between chapters. Throughout the book, he shares his personal philosophy – the importance of a positive attitude, the law of attraction, and simply having gratitude for all that life gives you. It's these kinds of personal insights which makes this book such an engaging read.
Note: I won a copy of “Off the Grid” and voluntarily chose to leave an honest review.
One of my favorite sections was about an encounter with a powerboat at night in the Bahamas which had run out of fuel. The author tells us how he towed their boat to the nearest port, but what makes this even more interesting was that he also shares accounts from both the husband and wife on the powerboat where they share their views about what must have been a very stressful experience. I also really enjoyed the diary-style entries where the author shares sections of his Captain's Log in between chapters. Throughout the book, he shares his personal philosophy – the importance of a positive attitude, the law of attraction, and simply having gratitude for all that life gives you. It's these kinds of personal insights which makes this book such an engaging read.
Note: I won a copy of “Off the Grid” and voluntarily chose to leave an honest review.
September 17, 2017
Off the Grid
This book was informative, with a touch of humor. I believe he is telling us to stop wishing our lives away and go for it. Do you have a dream? Has it been placed on the back burner, stop placing yourself on hold while everyday day life takes a hold of you? Live you dream while you're still young enough and stop listening to negative comments. If you believe you will fail you will fail, but keeping positive thought helps you reach your dream. What an adventure.
This book was informative, with a touch of humor. I believe he is telling us to stop wishing our lives away and go for it. Do you have a dream? Has it been placed on the back burner, stop placing yourself on hold while everyday day life takes a hold of you? Live you dream while you're still young enough and stop listening to negative comments. If you believe you will fail you will fail, but keeping positive thought helps you reach your dream. What an adventure.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews