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Being self reliant. The USCG isn't gonna help you if you get in the shits in the middle of the ocean. You can't go down to the machine shop to get parts for the engine in Somalia. If you can't fix everything on board then you're not really ready. You have to be a plumber, electrician, sail maker, mechanic, doctor, shipwright, diplomat, accountant, search and rescue, firefighter, fisherman....the list never ends. Cruisers tend to help each other out, so you're not always alone but you have to do a lot of things yourself. I think a lot of peole make it into a bigger deal than it is but offshore sailing is different in the lifestyle and personality it requires more then the basic sailing ability. Good luck with the plans.
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