Traded Wife and House for Boat . . . Now what ?

[sleptic]

Hi,

I woke up a few days after Christmas last year and found a note from my wife informing me that she had moved in with one of my friends. Not just any friend, but my best friend. Oops, I didn't see that one coming. Oh well, such is life. Anyway, after a year of being bitter and angry, I decided to shake things up a bit and pursue a life-long (34 years) dream. I sold my house and I am in the process of buying a 50 foot Beneteau. My plan is to take a year, or two, or three, and sail around the world. I was a rescue worker at the Pentagon on 9/11 and I have had a lot of issues with PTSD and depression since then, so I figure I will use this time to recharge my batteries and hopefully get right in the head. I will have enough money from my home to outfit the boat safely, and I intend on taking enough classes, crew trips etc. to become proficient. I have some sailing experience, but clearly I have a ton to learn before I set off. So here are some questions:

1. What are people's thoughts on a Beneteau 50 for a circumnavigation? I looked at 423 and 473's, but I found a sweet 50 for a great price. I figure it's as big as I can singlehand when necessary, and it's at the upper end of my budget so I wouldn't want to go bigger. And since this is going to be my and my dogs' home for a while, I really don't want to go smaller. Advice before I hand over my deposit?

2. I know it's a bit premature, but what are people's thoughts on East vs. West (route). I would like to leave from the the Eastern US and head west through the canal, then across the pacific etc. But I have heard differing opinions.

3. Best way to become proficient in a relatively short period of time. ASA classes? I want to be responsible and prepared, but I also want to get going as soon as practical.

4. Anyone wanna come with?

5. Is this whole thing a bad idea? Should I just be boring and buy a condo somewhere?

Thanks,

Eric