[maxcontax]

kimby
you are living in one of the world''s primo sailing grounds, a great place to practice up for your adventure--also there is alot of local knowledge on sailing waiting for your questions. I gather you are new to all this: suggest you purchase a trainer boat like a Catalina 27 which you can buy in your area for about 12 to 14 thousand, and let the boat be your teacher. When you are ready to go, sell the boat for what you paid for it. you also have alot of resources with your sailing community in Duncan, once you get a trainer and get wet, so to speak, you will meet up with alot of experience.