I’ve missed whether your boat is new or new to you.
If it’s new, then all I can say is “New
boats, new problems” Expect numerous items to be fixed and to
head straight off for a trans
Atlantic crossing could be a problem.
Get everything done in
Europe before you leave. It’s very expensive to get
parts and
repairs done enroute.
I agree with others that being in one of the rallies could be an advantage, but once you leave port you’re on your own except in an
emergency.
The main problems I’ve seen have been:
Power. Have enough
battery storage & production for your needs. Try to have redundancy ie
Solar, hydro generators, a portable geny etc. You don’t want to have to run your
engine for hours every day.
Autopilot. If you can have a backup system or at least parts,
manuals and an understanding of the system. You don’t want to handsteer for 18 days.
Medical. Have a very good
medical kit and plenty of antibiotics & serious painkillers.
Starlink. We had it and saw how valuable it is. For
weather, medical
advice etc. Absolutely worth it.
Some
fishing gear. It gets a bit boring at times.
Finally be conservative on your boat and it’ll thank you