I live a life at sea.

I sail to uninhabited and often forgotten places in the world to live and be free. I quite literally just “swing in the breeze” and “go with the flow.” I’ve filled up two passports, and have experienced heavy doses of culture all around the globe. No day is the same, and monotony is not on the menu. However, it’s not all fair winds and distant shores. I’ve given up many things to live the life that I do. Often I tell people of my lifestyle and hear, “Wow, I would love to do that.” But would they? Would you?

It’s a new trend to break free from the house, mortgage, and career to go sailing around the world. More and more people are choosing that lifestyle. It’s an exhilarating feeling to just put yourself out there in the world and see what comes, but not everybody is ready for that. I meet many sailors who just dream of being back ashore. They want a proper home again, proper hot water, an air conditioner, and a dog. They want to see their family, and be home for the holidays. They want a place where everybody knows their name, somewhere comforting and safe. Who could blame them?

My boat, which is my home, doesn’t have the same comforts of a modern house. It’s cramped by comparison. I don’t see family for the holidays very often, and worst of all, I love dogs but can’t have one! But let me tell you, it’s all worth it. I immerse myself in strange and different cultures. I meet new friends everywhere I go, and I have learned to live without all the modern conveniences that I would otherwise take for granted ashore. Not having “scruffy” and missing a few New Year’s parties is well worth the epic adventures that I have allowed myself to experience.

Could you do it to? Sure, there are plenty of people doing it. The internet is littered with guides, and bookstores are filled with books on the topic. Breaking free of a shore-based lifestyle is one of the most liberating feelings in the world, but make sure you’ll feel liberated and not impoverished. You don’t want to miss out on the best parts of you voyage because of being so focused on the things you’re giving up.

I would encourage anyone thinking about sailing away to do more than just learn how to sail. Take a deep look inside and ask yourself if it’s what you really want. If the answer is “yes, let’s go!” then by all means get out there! Mark Twain put it so beautifully, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

I’d be happy to answer any questions about the sailing lifestyle. Feel free to leave a comment or contact me any time.

Photo Credits

Photos By Rob Lehmann – All Rights Reserved

Guest Author Bio

Rob Lehmann

A sailor, an adventurer, and sometimes an author. Rob’s career, passion, and topics all revolve around the sea. Rob keeps a blog at SailorRob.com to document all of his adventures, misfortunes, and rants for the world.

The sea is always calling, and he is first in line to answer the call.

Blog / Website: http://www.sailorrob.com

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