[LWinters]

It's been really interesting reading the postings from this forum. I've got to say that the viewpoints of many indicating that those who sail with the "go small, go now" attitude are doomed to failure scare me. I got bit by the bug about 5 years ago. That's when I started learning to sail, saving, and reading everything I could on boats. I am now 30, purchased an Allied Mistress 3 weeks ago, and am planning on casting off around Jan of 2008.

The things I don't know about sailing could fill a library. The number of reasons I shouldn't go probably outnumber the reasons I should go 10 to 1. My boat is older but structurally sound. The sails are worn, but well stitched. The Westerbeke 4-108 has 8700 hours, but doesn’t smoke. Regardless, I am leaving an excellent paying job with no guarantee of "re-entry" at anywhere near the same level. Henry Ford said "If money is your hope for independence you will never have it. The only real security that a man will have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience, and ability." I guess I am counting on the knowledge and ability I have now combined with the experience and knowledge I will gain on the trip to create a more rich and well lived life than I could achieve otherwise. Not to mention carry me across the oceans.

I've put around 75K in the bank and hope to put another 30 or so in by the end of 2007. I'll put around 25K into the boat to bring it up to date, pay it off before I go, sail without boat or medical insurance, and see how far I can get with ~ 50K in the cruising kitty. I am betting 2 - 4 years baring major catastrophe. Past that, I don't dare to plan. I am not expecting to come back the same person I am now. Nor do I expect to be able to rejoin the corporate world I am now in.

In terms of the question, "What does it take to go cruising?” I can only think of one correct answer. You have to make the decision to go. Once that is done, everything else will fall into place.