Welcome aboard "Cruising Kitty"! Some free
advice worth noting: Move slowly on your endeavor, like a
cruising sailboat would. The sailboat you plan to
purchase should be comfortable enough, yet can be handled alone in an
emergency. This type of
boat would be a mono-hull, has a 5 ft or less
keel and ranges from 32 ft to 40 ft in length. Learn the foundation of seamanship, with actual time
training on a
boat in diverse
weather conditions during the day and in the night; three beginners sailing
classes, would be a good start. One class should be devoted to "bare-boat chartering"; a must know. Get First Aid
training, related to open
water emergencies. Learn to
SCUBA dive; occasionally, you might have to check the bottom of your boat's condition. Visit boat shows, and zero-in on "rugged built" boats. Go on several charters, to see if you still like to "get wet". If you still do, buy a
used boat not older than 10 years old. Get it surveyed by two surveyors; worth the expense. Have "old salts" check the boat one final time, before signing on the dotted line. Sail away! Mauritz