Rookies just getting started - help!

[cashed-out]

I'm starting off a 3 year program which will ultimately lead to the purchase of a Multihull and relocation of my wife and I to a life on the seas.
Year 1 - sailing lessons - Canada lakes
Year 1 - 1 week Multihull charter - St. Lucia
Year 2 - Multihull training school - Suggestions???
Year 2 - Rent Multihull for easy solo trip.
Year 3 - Purchase Multihull - year 1 in Caribbean, after that, the world.

So, we know nothing. We're looking for help in understanding what will be required to acheive our dream.

Some questions:
Best type/size boat for my wife and I - must sleep 4 - ultimately want to cross Atlantic after a year or 2 in Caribbean.
Best Marinas in Caribbean based on both cost and services?
Should we rent berths by day, month, or year?
Insurance costs?
Monthly operating costs?
Dos and donts?
Internet connectivity while on the seas....We will still be doing consultancy work.
Cost of communications systems?

Thanks,
Jeff

[harryrezz]

Why a multi-hull?

[Southern Star]

Jeff, what sort of sailing lessons and on what type of boat? Have you given a thought to joining a yacht club and crewing for people on some larger boats? While I am now the owner of a catamaran, Harry's question is appropriate - why a cat? Depending upon your budget, a mono may be a better way to go.

You should also understand that after some sailing lessons you will not be able to arrange a bareboat charter in the Caribbean without a hired skipper. Nor would/should you want to. Simply put, I would suggest that you forget about a fixed 3 year plan - it will only add pressure and reduce your chances of success.

Join a yacht club. Crew for others. Take sailing lessons. Arrange a bareboat charter with some experienced sailors. Consider, in your second season, buying a small, used cruising boat that is popular in your area and will have good resale value, then get experience sailing, navigating, anchoring, reefing, bleeding a diesel, etc., etc. Then you should be in a postion to decide if you want to take the next step.

Brad

[deepseadiver]

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