After four decades floating on the iconic waters of Sausalito, tech pioneer and counterculture legend Stewart Brand is preparing to set anchor and come ashore. The 86-year-old founder of the Whole Earth Catalog and his wife Ryan Phelan are selling their beloved 1912 tugboat, Mirene, along with their neighboring stationary houseboat, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in their lives.

The journey of Mirene is a testament to Brand and Phelan’s adventurous spirit. What began as a dilapidated vessel transformed into a lovingly restored floating home, hosting countless memories and even potentially being the birthplace of Otis Redding’s legendary song “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay”.

Brand, known for his pragmatic approach to innovation, sees this transition not as an ending but as another evolution. Despite being a central figure in the counterculture movement, he has always been more interested in moving forward than dwelling in nostalgia. The houseboat community of Sausalito, once a vibrant hub of creativity and invention, served as the perfect backdrop for their unconventional lifestyle.

The couple’s decision to sell comes after recognizing that their aging bodies no longer match the boat’s adventurous design. The top-deck bedroom, while romantically positioned, presents challenges for individuals in their 70s and 80s. Phelan, who continues to work full-time with her environmental nonprofit Revive & Restore, has already secured a more traditional houseboat nearby to maintain her connection to the waterfront community.

Mirene isn’t just another boat – it’s a piece of Bay Area history. As the only houseboat in Sausalito with permission and ability to leave its berth, it represents both a home and a potential yacht. The boat comes with a renewable, rent-controlled lease in a prime location, making it an attractive prospect for potential buyers.

Brand’s perspective on technology remains optimistic. Despite criticisms of big tech, he continues to believe in technology’s potential to create positive change. His adaptability and forward-thinking approach have been hallmarks of his career, from founding the Whole Earth Catalog to supporting early computing conferences.

As they prepare to transition to land, Brand and Phelan embody the spirit of continuous reinvention that has defined their extraordinary lives.