Sea-Steading: A Life of Hope and Freedom on the Last Viable Frontier [Paperback]

Jerome FitzGerald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 24, 2006

Sea-steading is a unique book. Perhaps more clearly than any other book ever published, Sea-steading goes directly to the core of why some people sail, and why some people would choose to make the sea their home. Filled with theoretical inquiry as well as practical tips, Sea-steading provides the reader with a wealth of information.

From sailing techniques, boat maintenance skills, financial savvy, and forage foods—even how to construct a green, self-sufficient ocean going home and see the world; it’s all here!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jerome W. FitzGerald has taught sailing, sailmaking, rigging, and the techniques of non-engine assisted cruising in Bellingham, Washington for the last ten years. He lives aboard and cruises his sailboat, MACHA, an engineless 52 foot gaff cutter.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (February 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595387586
• ISBN-13: 978-0595387588
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,088,167 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars No book has ever been more in need of an Editor, March 8, 2007

By 

Louis Cenac MD "Dog Doctor" (Baton Rouge, LA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sea-Steading: A Life of Hope and Freedom on the Last Viable Frontier (Paperback)

Jerome FitzGerald is knowledeable, even expert, at describing his practical methods of sailing without an engine. Any sailor will benefit from reading the book beginning at Chapter 7. This book should be required reading for everyone seeking a license to teach sailing or to run a marina. With the right Editor this book would appeal to a very large audience.
However, Jerome FitzGerald's book, like its author, has problems. Captain FitzGerald has lived the life, somewhat successfully, that more timid souls only imagine. He is free from the consumer society. As a rugged individualist, he will always do well in times of crisis. But, anyone who finds an alcohol making still aboard ship to be more important than a diesel auxiliary probably has a drinking problem. Indeed, the book is peppered with examples of conflicts with authorities and other sailors, similar to the life of the quarrelsome land based alcoholic. The author hasn't figured out that the Marina owners prefer the twice a year sailor who has to buy all new rigging for his boat for every outing, as long as his checks arrive in a timely manner. The operators of the ship's stores would all go broke if their customers were as resourceful as Mr. FitzGeral describes himself to be.
BUY THE BOOK. LEARN EVERYTHING HE HAS TO SAY ABOUT SAILING. IGNORE HIS ALCOHOLIC RANTS.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, September 3, 2007

By 

Steven Roberts "microship" (Puget Sound Area, Washington) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sea-Steading: A Life of Hope and Freedom on the Last Viable Frontier (Paperback)

The author is exquisitely sane, and far from being rants or asides, the philosophical underpinnings are sound and very much in context. Even though my boat has a diesel auxiliary and lots of interconnected systems, this book has strengthened my resolve to save the iron genny for true emergencies and work to develop the skills of self reliance under sail.

The long out-of-print "Sailing the Farm" is another good reference for aquatic self-sufficiency, but Sea-Steading is more focused on developing competent sailing skills. There is a wealth of good knowledge here, and the writing is full of gems (even though, as he readily admits, it could have used a bit of copy-editing). I've already quoted the author twice and referred back to a passage once, and it has only been two days since I spent a very satisfying Saturday immersed in the book.

I highly recommended this for those who understand its intent. Jerome truly knows his stuff, and makes a very good case for casting off from the consumer lifestyle... not just adding a yacht to one's stable of toys. And even if you don't care about the broader philosophical context, the knowledge herein might keep you off a lee shore some dark and stormy night.

This one's a keeper.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sailing with an Attitude, April 24, 2006

By 

Eugene Harm "Harmsway" (Florida) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sea-Steading: A Life of Hope and Freedom on the Last Viable Frontier (Paperback)

Reading the first six chapters of this book is like listing to a teenager who has all of life's answers. If only the rest of the world would get onboard. However chapters seven through the end is a gold mine of sailing knowledge from his sailing life experiences. These chapters will encourage you in every way possible. Jerome "Jay" writes from what he believes and captures in print every aspect of the sailing life. This is certainly a must read for any sailor interested in true seamanship and wants to do more then entertain some friends on the weekends. It is definite a source book that I will reference again and again. Even those who only occasionally sail will improve there sailing skill upon reading these chapters. As Jay says "most of seamanship happens within 50 feet of the dock".

Start this book in chapter seven. After finishing go back and read the earlier chapter on boats. If you really want to read his rant on philosophy then complete the skipped chapters. You may find you are kindred spirits and want to visit his website the oarclub.