Peter asks a very appropriate question: > Are there > different solutions for different cruising > itineraries? What's a reasonable balance to strike for > different types of cruising styles? By definition the PUP list is focused on ocean passages rather than coastal cruising. Even within these boundries the question is reasonable. I'm considering three very different cruising alternatives: Plan A: Circumnavigation (possible, but a decision to be made in route) Plan B: U.S. West coast to S. Pacific, New Zealand, return via Japan/Russia/Alaska route Plan C: U.S. West coast, through Panama Canal, N to Belize, cross to New Orleans, E to FL, Bahamas, Windward Islands, Venezuela, return. You can argue the only part of Plan C that's an ocean crossing is the leg from Belize to New Orleans, and the hop from FL to the Bahamas. Do I need the same capabilities on those crossings as I would crossing the Pacific? How does the body of water, or proximity to land and other shipping lanes impact these choices? Scott Bulger, Alanui, N40II, Seattle WA