KQED's Forum ‘Lost at Sea’ Profiles Sausalito’s ‘Anchor-out’ Community
Apr 14, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Joe Kloc, a senior editor at Harper's Magazine and author of "Lost At Sea," shares insights from nearly a decade of documenting Sausalito's ‘anchor-out’ community. He explores the struggles faced by residents living on makeshift boats, as they navigate societal pressures and the challenges of urban development. Kloc highlights the diverse stories and supportive bonds within this unique lifestyle, while emphasizing the resilience of a community fighting for their right to exist amid rising living costs and increasing displacement threats.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Sausalito's Anchor-Outs
- Sausalito's anchor-out community comprises artists, veterans, and unhoused people living on boats.
- The community has existed for over a century, evolving significantly after the Houseboat Wars.
Anchor-Out Life
- Some anchor-outs are retired mariners with savings, while others are impoverished, living on derelict boats.
- Their access to resources has fluctuated, but many pool their resources to get by.
Unique Traditions
- Anchor-outs have unique traditions, like creating replica boats for funerals and setting them on fire.
- They release the boats into the sea at Dunphy Park in Sausalito.