I know of at least 3 couples that are planning circumnavigations that will begin in mid 2007 or early 2008. I'm wondering if there are more people that are interested in collaborating on planning, in the hope that major ocean crossings may be done by a pair of boats or perhaps even more? I don't think it would be something like the NAR, rather simply friends saying, sure I'm heading to HI in the June/July timeframe, let's cross together. There's something very comforting knowing your not completely alone in the middle of your first ocean crossing. Additionally I continue to struggle with the piracy and general deterioration of safety in the far east. I know that's a part of the world I won't be going through on my own. Our plans are dependant on believing we can transit the Suez canal safely or we will curtail our circumnavigation plans in lieu of heading back to Panama and either doing the Great Loop or the Caribbean. Are there others on the list that would like to start a dialog (either through the list or on a sideline) about time, locations, logistics and so forth? Thanks much! Scott Scott Bulger, Alanui, Seattle WA Nordhavn 40II