[sailingfool]

SailMonkey,

Hi, Mister Naysayer here! Thanks for the link, that''s an interesting story that I''ll make time to read. It''s always wonderful to see the adventurous things people can do. But just becuase someone else pulls off an adventure like the Bennetts'' doesn''t make it a wise thing to do. Ms. Bennett''s concern that "My main goal here is to not die," hits the point - should people put them into circumstances like that? Just because you can buy your way into an Everest expedition (try the book Into Thin Air) doesn''t make it intelligent to do so...

Putting oneself into risks one is not equipped to handle may be adventerous, but it is also dumb.

Going offshore is like a personal Everest - a sensible person should be well prepared. Although I''ve owned sailboats over thirty years, and my current boat has crossed half the globe with a PO, I''ll want a year of preparation before my first trip.

It isn''t a question of not going, it''s a question of improving the odds before you go...

Another story relevant to this subject can be found at: http://www.equipped.com/0698rescue.htm
Experienced sailors with two years of preparation and yikes...

A final comment - I doubt too many knowledgeable sailers would consider an Out Island 33 (not an "OutIslander") an offshore boat, but I''m an admitted naysayer and hey, its your boat and your family.

Absolutely the best of luck to everyone!