New and wanting to cross the Atlantic west to east

[GermanAmerican]

Hi there,
I'm in the process of buying a 40 foot sailboat and sail her from the Boston area to the UK in 2015. We are going to live on her and will be doing some cruising, 2 adults and 2 kids and a dog.

My question:

What is the best time to leave Boston to sail over to the UK? And should I go via the Azores or skip 'em?

I'm working on provisions, boat got 100 gallons of water. But it will be a solo crossing

Thankful for any advice.

Ps. Been sailing since I was like 5 years old