I pray to one day be able to follow the path of the men before me and learn to sail. It is something that my wife has admittedly been reluctant to accept but would be more willing to allow if we find ourselves childless in the next 10 years.
I want something to get me as far away from land and the majority of the scumbags inhabiting it WHEN the shit hits the fan. I have reserves and weapons, but I don’t know that I’ll have the stomach to fight day-in and day-out for months or possibly years (i.e. Kosovo) under a totalitarian regime like we see currently.
I come from a long line of seamen, fishermen, Naval navigators, and longshoremen. It’s a wonder I haven’t dived into it all yet.
I’d suggest some sailing lessons, and then renting or chartering some small sailboats first. Move it up step by step to chartering 30 footers on the ocean. You will know if it’s for you or not after that.
Boating is a great escape, even if you can only do it on the weekends. You’ll establish a comraderie with lots of wonderful people and develop a strong sense of self-sufficiency.