You can contact me in the following ways:
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Postal address: Rick Page, 106/63 Old Cleveland Road, QLD 4120 Australia
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email address sailingcalypso@gmail.com
- Tel: +697 947 6977
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if you feel very lucky, stick a message in a bottle and toss it in the sea…
English
Slovensko
Italiano
Rick, you tried desperately, as I recall to teach me to play like michael brecker, god rest his soul, in your flat in crouch end in the early 90’s perhaps, saw you on the telly and said that’s my old saxophone teacher , my wife said bullshit so I produced my phone book with your name and number in! Loving the idea that you are doing what you want man. I too have an old sailing boat, not as big as yours and a bit more plasticky. Thrilled to hear of you doing your thing. I still have your Stanley turrentine album. Stay happy man. Adam, ( ex long hair, horrid pony tail, motorbikes, old conn 10m)
Hi Adam!
How the fuck are you?? And have you still got that honkin`10m? (that was a nice horn). Are you still playing? I have swung more in the direction of latin guitar these days, but having said that, I just bought myself a new alto sax (well, new to me anyway). Are you still playing (as far as I remember, you were cracking on at a goodly speed). Did you go pro in the end? Dish me all the gossip,
You can tell your wife that it was definitely me, and that she owes you a dinner out.
Cheers!
Rick
Hi Guys I just want to say thanks for the awesome book!
After seeing you both on TV I fell across your book aswell such a great read hitting some great points. The only downside is the fact Im longing to start my life as a sea gypsy even more! Im currently going through a majour refit of an Albin Vega 27 which will become our floating home sometime soon. and when/if our paths cross I look foward to buying you both a beer!
Cheers
Ric
I look forward to that! I have sent a reply to your email address. Cheers, Rick
Hi, are you the Rick that used to do horse riding holidays in the Alpujarrahs? I have often wondered where you got to and so glad that you are obviously enjoying life, albeit without the neddies now! Do you still have any contacts in Spain – my daughter wants to spend a year working out there with horses, but we don’t know anyone out there. The horse I bought from you is now ancient and enjoying retirement in Anglesey – a long way from Trevelez! Cheers, Helen
Hi Helen!
Sorry for the tardy reply (you were hiding in the trash) but yes! I am he of the neddies. I assume you are she of the acerbic wit who became the owner of Santiago, one of the nicest neddies l ever had? I am glad to hear that he is enjoying his retirement. Did he turn out to be as good a neddie as we thought he might? When did you have a daughter… l dont remember kne being on the cards is Spain.
I am afraid that the woman l sold the business to was a disaster and that l do not have any contacts to whom l would entrust the welfare of your daughter as generally speaking, the safety standards are shocking in Spain. Write back to me with all your goss on sailingcalypso@gmail.com and that will keep you out of the trash.
Fantastic to hear from you Helen
Massive hug,
Rick xx
Hey, really enjoyed your book. I’ll leave a review on Amazon in the next few days. I was going to see if you could be so kind as to describe an “average” day (as if there could be such a thing) at anchorage and at sea. The book offers an outstanding primer, and a little of the day-to-day can help us visualize ourselves in the same circumstances, and keep the dream alive. See ya out there!
Brian
HI Brian
Thanks for getting in touch. J and l are both chuffed that you liked the book and that it seems to have got you hooked on the salty path. (PS: I know it is a pain in the neck, but if you could write us a decent review on amazon as you suggested, that would certainly help sell a few more books!).
Your question is interesting, because it is unanswerable. There really is no ‘typical day’ on board a boat at anchor, partly because various crews have varying tastes (one crew’s day might involve fishing, another playing the trombone) and partly because the anchorage you pick will define what you do. For example, yesterday we were anchored off the capital city of Tahiti, so we went in to town and did a lot of provisioning and office work. Today we are in Point Venus and there is a massive reggae party on the beach……
The question is even less answerable than the question, “what is a typical day for somebody who lives in a house?’ ….. at least a house stays in the same place!
The question becomes a little easier to answer when on passage as the days are more defined by watches. But still, there is a mountain of difference between what you do on board in 10knots and 40knots.
I understand the motivation for asking such a question and my best suggestion is to advise you to look through our website in order to get a kind of ‘flavour’ of life on board. We try and keep it real (as opposed to the Facebook “everything-is-wonderful-in-my-life” nonsense) and that may get you a better answer than anything glib l might come up with. No doubt that will generate some more specific questions, that we are always happy to answer. We are well aware of how difficult it is starting out to get your head around the whole idea, so no question is too obvious or too personal. Whizz them over on sailingcalypso@gmail.com and we will happily answer them.
Fair Winds!
R n J
I’m watching you guys on BBC Earth “Where the Wild Men Are”
Congratulations!
You are living a dream.
Hi guys
Read your great book and very inspired to live the dream.
Been thinking about it for years, I’m a scuba diving instructor of over 13 years so love the ocean, traveled all over the world but never found the “secret” to a simply life but after reading Get Real, Get Gone I might have found a glimpse of my future!
Just wanted to say thanks!!
Beers & Cheers x
Daren
You are most welcome Daren! Thanks for lettings us know you enjoyed the book. We hope to meet you on the sea some day. Cheers
Loved your book. Thank you both for the great insight into getting real and the life of a sea gypsie. I have two questions. 1. Medical considerations…. what do you do regarding being prepared for illness, cuts, scrapes, vaccinations, etc. 2. Where can a potential gypsie find great deals on solid boats?? I know online, but is there a region you can slay a good deal on a used vessel? Thank you for any info.
Safe travels, Seattle, WA
Mfiola79@gmail.com
Thanks Mfiola! I will answer all your questions on an email shortly.
Hi Guys,
Got the book two days ago and what a gem!
I noticed under recommend reading, there’s a book on motorcycles, while the rest are all boating. Is there anywhere in the book that you have made reference to it, as I’m curious as to why it was included.
Happy days,
Evan.
Hi guys, myself and my girlfriend read your book. We both loved it so thanks.
We’ve just bought a seamaster 925. Neither of us know the 1st thing about sailing but we like the sea and stay in the west coast of Scotland so it seems like a good idea.
Hopefully we can become sea gypsies too.
Thanks again for a great read
Douglas and Lyndsay
Hi Douglas and Lindsay,
Thanks for the positive feedback. We are extremely pleased you liked the book and it seems to have nudged you in the gypsy direction (we would be even happier if you would be good enough to repeat those kind sentiments in the review section of Amazon).
Nice boat the Seamaster – in fact l dont think Kim Holman ever penned an ugly boat! A great boat to earn your stripes on aroung Eigg and Rhum!
You have taken the first step on a great adventure and you must be pretty excited! Let us know if we can help with any advice – you can email us on sailingcalypso@gmail.com anytime.
Good luck you guys, we look forward to nearing of your adventures!
Should you ever get to NZ, I live on the ocean at Boulder Bay, fifteen miles north-east of Coromandel Town facing the Pacific Ocean. Come visit with me in my version of paradise. You would be made most welcome. Jules
Thanks Jules – very generous of you! The bad news is that we very well may take you up on that. ?
Hi Guys,
I read your book and like the story very much. Lots of useful info and practical advice for any sailor. Hope to meet you somewhere sometimes. I saw your boat for sale, hope you stay on the seas?
Cheers
Jarek
Hi
I am reading your book, went on the computer and found your website. I like your attitude, great, your book talks about a lot of things I have been thinking about in a similar vein for a long time.
Last year I spent some time sailing in Brittany, France and, as your book says, it is good to find a place to start – this may be it for me: affordable, interesting sailing and I know people there.
Anyway, I have to clear the decks but in a couple of years I may start on this and I am planning to buy a small but seaworthy boat. The trouble is, for the boat I am thinking of, many are available in the US, but very few in Europe. I am a reasonably experienced sailor, but I do not think experienced enough for an Atlantic crossing. Do you still do yacht deliveries?
Cheers
Hugo
Hi Hugo,
Thanks for getting in touch. L have replied to your email.
Cheers,
Rick
I just finished your book, and wanted to let you know it was an absolute joy to read. I have been a wannabe sea gypsy for years, and the book was not only inspiring, but also encouraging. Are there any plans for another book?
Thanks for sharing your story with us. I look forward to reading more about your adventures here on the site, and hope to one day cross paths with you and buy you both a beer. Now on to finding the right boat!
Cheers,
Billy
Reploed to email ?
Replied to email ?
Hello Rick and Jasna,
I just finished reading your book and I really loved it. I’m quite interested in the cruising lifestyle although I have zero experience in sailing right now (working on that). So I still have lots of questions about all the intricacies of how to do it. Have you thought about writing a “part 2” to your book, as in, “a day in the life”? I’d really love to read about what you typically do from get up to lay down at anchor or at sea. I suspect a lot of others would be interested in that too. I could expound on a list of topics if you like. Thanks again for an excellent book!
Hi Steve,
Thanks for that! Interesting point you make. I will give it some thought and send you an email.
Thanks again,
Rick
Hello Rick and Jasna,
Loved your book. In the process of getting real, so I can get gone. Thanks for the info, the advice, and the inspiration.
Fair winds,
Steve
Thanks for your kind words Steve!
Glad you liked it, don’t hesitate to write to us if you have any questions.
Fair winds
Rick & Janna,
So, I, on a whim decided to buy a boat and live aboard (Hans Christian 33). A friend of mine recommended your book, so I bought it at once and read it through for the first time, I will certainly give it a reread or two. The book made me much more confident with the boat purchase. I plan to fix her up, learn to sail (never been on a sailboat), and get gone within two years. If you find yourselves in Guam, I’ll buy you a beer. Thanks for the great information and no holds barred opinions in your book. I can’t wait to be on the sea again, this time for pleasure/adventure, not for the Navy.
Jason
Got the book last week(slow reader)started reading two days ago. For me I can not put it down. Love it. At present do not sail. Can read a compass. Purchased waterproof paper chart and book to explain chart reading. Am 55 yrs. employed as a journeyman electrician in Texas . Houston Metro area. I am patient and long term focused. With little funding but a lot of desire. Enjoying the book and your site. Learning a lot, love your philosophy, mine very similar ok with Sparton life style. I know this is out of sequence but what do you do to fill scuba tanks? I do not scuba at present but will before heading Blue Water. Thank you for helping rekindle a boyhood dream. It is only impossible if we do not try. Thanks Again
Thanks for a great post Jim. I can’t tell you how much it means to us when somebody “gets it”. I have sent you an email regarding scuba tanks.
Thanks again buddy!
Cheers,
Rick
Rick and Jasna,
Bought your book last week a devoured it. My ladyfriend and I are in our mid-to-late 50s and looking to reboot our lives on minimal resources. We have now initiated Operation Become Sea Gypsies, with the goal of moving onto a strong, seaworthy boat next summer. I have ordered several of the books from your recommended reading list and have devoted significant internet research to many of my initial questions.
I’ll refrain from asking too many questions until I have better educated myself; however, there is one area where we would appreciate some initial feedback from the two of you.
Since we will both be novice sailors, we are inclined to prefer a boat with a steel hull and a full keel. We are also drawn to junk rigging. In your view, how important should it be for us to find a boat that was designed for a junk rig (or has already been converted) versus buying a boat with more common rigging and converting it ourselves? (I am aware that there are several book on junk rigs and on making that conversion, but have no real way to know which ones are more credible. I have already bought Annie Hill’s book and I have looked at the Junk Rig Association website.) In any event, would you mind sharing your thoughts on this part of the buying decision?
Thank you for both the technical and philosophical information and inspiration in your book. Hopefully, our paths will cross in a few years at some remote locale and we can celebrate your guidance and counsel in a proper manner.
Thanks John! I will email a legthy reply soon.
Hi Rick,
Last July I finally bought a 1979 Dufour 31 that had a fairly recent re-power. I thought 6000 was a steal. Good sails, but the lines need updating. I thad one of those old wall mounted propane heaters. Think that’s worth replacing or could I probably get by with the stove/oven for heat. and do you use propane ? Hopefully, 2019 is my getaway year. Loved the book. I’m sure you’re inspiring alot of folks.
Gary
Hi Gary,
Not sure I answered this, but will send you an email. Generally, propane is one of the bigger risks one faces on a cruising boat, but most boats use it for cooking. I can’t say I would be happy with a wall heater. More details to follow…
What a great book. When all the other cruiser books seem intent on dissuading you from the lifestyle with doom and gloom you have certainly spurred the interest. Just placed a deposit on our first boat. Thanks and keep writing. Now off to craigslist all our crap.
How exciting Marc! I will email you for soem more details – and thanks for the nice comments about the book!
I can’t tell you how happy it makes me when people put all their shit on Craigslist. Bravo Marc and welcome to the 1%!
Rick hi,
I am impressed with your book and follow your adventure. Wish you good luck with the new boat.
Cheers
Jarek
Thanks Jarek… means a lot to me. ?
Hi Rick,
I just wanted to thank you for writing this book. It is what I was looking for for such a long time.
I hope to see you soon somewhere at sea!
Have a wonderful time
Florence
Hi Rick,
I just wanted to thank you for writing this book. It is what I was looking for for such a long time. I love your style and the tips and tricks. Amazing. I m looking to buy my own boat this year and I hope to see you soon somewhere at sea!
Have a wonderful time
Florence
Hi Florence,
I don’t know why I am only just seeing your lovely comment, but I will PM you. Thanks ?
Hi Rick,
Tis Jenny.
We met at Woodford this year after me being given your flyer re Sailing Calypso.
This certainly does Light My Candle. Melinda, my close friend has a fire burning inside for the chance to sail as well. We would love the opportunity to join you in Fiji this April, May.
Melinda has emailed you recently, we are both looking forwards to hearing from you.
I have started reading your book, fab, informative and easy read.
Cheers
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
Sorry for the tardy reply. Glad to hear that you are enjoying the book. Feel free to get back to me with any questions on sailingcalypso@gmail.com. I can’t say what is happening yet as there are a lot of things in the air (it’s all a bit hush-hush at the moment) but I will let you know as soon as I do.
Massive Woodfordian hugs from funky Fiji
Rick ?
Hi Rick
Bought the book a few weeks ago and read it in 3 days.
Truly inspiring and has reinforced my mid term goal to get gone.
Let’s see how it works out. these are strange time.
By the way, did you sell Calypso II? Just curious
Cheers and safe sailing
Brian
PS Old Cleveland Road in Brissie? Know it well!
how big is your boat?
Hi Sarah,
Details and photos of all my boats (Marutji, Calypso and Calypso II) can be found on the website. Marutji was a Van de Stadt 34 (10m), Calypso was a Hans Christian 36 (11m) and Calypso II is an Island PAcket 38 (11.6 meters). Calypso III will probably be smaller (for all the good reasons listed in my book)
Cheers,
Rick
Rick, thanks so much for the time you took to reply to my email. Just finished reading Book 1 and ordered Book 2 today! For the first time ever, I truly believe my dreams are actually achievable. Your book has helped me realise that most of the obstacles I thought existed were simply self-created due to my mindset which was somewhat blinkered and lacked some lateral vision. For those wanting to watch Rick on Ben Fogle: New Lives In The Wild, it is currently listed as Series 4 Episode 8 (on Sky – I think it was previously listed as a different episode number).
Happy to help Mike! If you need any further info, email me on sailingcalypso@gmail.com
Hi Rick, a few years ago I was looking for an interesting adventure read, came across Get Real, Get Gone & bought the Kindle version. Sailing the world was (and is) so far off my radar (though did a bit of sailing in South Africa (sports cat, fun!), UK – a few days offshore, and Ireland – some dinghy) but your book was soooo much fun to read and so interesting! Not a great Kindle fan so maybe time to get the book itself for a re-read, or / and maybe get your second book too! Too old to contemplate sailing off into the sunset now, and enjoying retirement in coastal northern Portugal too much anyway, but I enjoy your writing a lot, and beats the pants off make-believe novels! Hope you’re still having a blast and best wishes.
Thanks George! I think you are the first person who does not have liveaboard sailing on their radar to read and comment on my book. It has me thinking that there might be a wider audience for my scratchings, so thanks for that! Let me know what you think of the second one if you read it – I would be interested to hear your opinion from such a unique perspective. I will drop you an email.
Thanks again,
Rick
Hi again Rick, yeah, if my dearly beloved Tania didn’t have a shitfit if there was anything less stable than a mountain under her feet, it might be a different story! :)) Got your email – I think you’d have a big following in addition to the liveaboard sailing tribe – great writing style – the issue would be how to get the word spread wide enough. Would be a pleasure to write a review, if I can still find the original book order on Amazon’s order history. I’ll stick a review on Goodreads as well. Delighted if I can do anything to help, best, G
Hey Rick,
Have seen the shows, read your books, and am itching to part ways with this daily monotony in the next few years with a view to do things for me before I get too achy and inflexible (stiff). I have to admit, my plans were already in the early stages before coming across you, but your story bolstered the confidence in my own dreams.
With Comp. Crew under my belt, and Day Skipper imminent, my next coupe of years will be focused around saving some critical funds and gaining at least some practical skills which is already on-track.
My utter confusion and insecurities are now focused on type/location/condition of a boat that will hopefully be my home for the next few, or more, years.
Worries about covering ongoing expenses are for another day …..
Any thoughts appreciated.
Fair Winds,
Rob
Thanks Rob. I will email you and see if we can’t identify some of these confusions and insecurities.
Cheers,
Rick