[Pub911]

I've sailed a coastal cruiser for 10 years. SERENA is a NorthStar 38' built in 1972 and designed by S&S. I've seen other threads on this design, (also branded Hughes 38) and have come away with confusion on her blue water seaworthiness. Cap'n Fatty of CW fame has sailed his NorthStar around the globe more than once. But through communications with him, I've learned he's done some modifications to stiffen Wild Card.

So rather than try to answer if my NorthStar is a Bluewater boat or not, I'd like some input on general features and characteristics to seek and to avoid in a boat when planning open ocean passages.

Granted, there's much more to the task than the choice in boat. But I'm on a 5 year plan.

All replies are welcome and appreciated.