At this time of the year, the cheapest way would be to truck the boat to Florida, launch, rig it and go. As far as minimum equipment: 1: certified life raft 2: GPS, well 2 GPS units would be better 3: shortwave receiver 4: storm sails 5: dinghy 6: VHF 7: knowledge Obviously, there are many possible equipment lists, but having recently read an article by Dave Martin (circumnavigated with a Cal 25, 1988-95) and having read most of Lin and Larry Pardey's books, I am of the mind that just going is the most important aspect of all the preparations that I see and read about. "Go simple, Go now" All the equipment is the world won't make up for lack of knowledge I could write an extensive list using experience gained in 30 years as a yacht captain, and too many miles to remember, but the important thing is for every sailor to get out there and do it. Roman
