Adam, I wouldn't recommend a Cat-27 for that trip. They simply aren't built for blue water sailing. I sailed one from Monterey to Santa Barbara once, and both Point Sur and Point Conception almost killed me. The things we do for money.

For the same money, I'm sure you could find an older, sturdier, boat. Karima and I own a 1971 Islander 30. You should contact her and have a look. It is right there in Embarcadero cove in Oakland. I'm sure she wouldn't want to sell, but I bet you could get one for five or six thousand, and put another three into making her ocean capable. A much better boat. Ranger made some really strong small boats in the 70s too. Also, Ericson and Peterson. Catalina built boats for Southern California waters in Summer. I don't even think they are appropriate for the conditions on SF Bay, although there are a lot of them around. Grab a copy of Lat-38 or one of the other local sailing rags. Look in the classifieds for something in the 30 foot range. I'm sure you could find something from a private party that is much better, and save yourself from a brokerage fee. Never buy without a certified survey though. You could also check with the Boy Scouts of America. One of the most senior guys in the Bay Area is Nick Tarlson, and he can probably show you some of their donation boats. They are often pretty fucked up (if you want a real fixer-upper bargain) but sometimes they get a real gem.

Or, simply ask around.

I know some people who have done similar things to what you want. Total amateurs. They came to our school in Sausalito, took basic Keelboat and Basic Coastal Cruising. Then they bareboat chartered some of the boats in the fleet (30-33 foot range), then after a dozen or so solo (with friends) trips, they took the Bareboat Charter course. BBC is three days and two nights, learning how to sail a boat up to 45 feet or so. You also learn some basic coastal navigation (at night too), basic maintenance, and stuff like how to use the stove, refrigerator and empty the holding tank. Some even go so far as to charter some more small boats, maybe take the ACC and Coastal Passage-making classes, and even the Coastal and Celestial Navigations courses. You can spend thousands.

I've been sailing for my entire life. I grew up on the Bay and in Seattle. I've sailed the East Coast, the Med, all over Asia, the West Coast of the US and Mexico, the Caribbean, and made ocean passages of over 2000 nautical miles. As a commissioned officer, I sailed for Navy for five years. I've raced in Naragansett, SF Bay, and all over SoCal for years. I have a Master's license. I've drove rescue boats for Vessel Assist and Sea Tow for years. I taught sailing, navigation, as well as commercial license prep courses. I even won in class in the Newport Ensenada Race in a Catalina 27 one year. Please trust me, it is not the boat you want.

If you doubt my word on this stuff, contact Tim on this tribe. I think he's up sailing Alaska at the moment. He started in Montana (or was it Wyoming) and is now sailing the world. I've known him for years, and he can vouch for what I say. You can also contact the Modern Sailing Academy in Sausalito, for whom I taught for years. You want a better boat.

Oh, and by the way, the Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free and nearly free courses on seamanship and basic navigation. You might want to check them out as well. Nick Tarlson is also involved with their programs, and could fill you in there as well.

Jonas:

Hey man. Thanks for the info.

> I did the cheap blue tarp and PVC pipe thing which cost less than $20. It worked ok but not when the wind picked up.

I know a bit about the sun, I traveled through the Sahara in Sudan a couple of years ago in the back of open trucks. It was about 114 degrees on an average day. You can get through anything with loose fitting long sleeves and a hat. But setting up something to provide extra shade on a hot day does sound like a good idea.

I know quite a bit about building wind-proof shade structures because of Burningman. I should be able to figure something out.

Fans sounds like a good idea. When at port, I've considered setting up a hammock for afternoon seistas.

www.coolnethammocks.com/

> I built their nesting pram model for about $300.

I hadn't even considered building dinghy. But now that I'm thinking about it, it would be a good experience.

P.S. "The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat" arrived in the mail today. For anyone who is reading this, doesn't know about boats, and is considering a big journey it's a fantastic reference.

From what I understand, Adam just got back from traveling all over the Middle East and Europe, computer in hand. I'm sure he'll take it to Nicaragua too. As for big bucks, you really don't want to go cruising with the gel coat damaged, especially in an older boat. The fiberglass in older boats is made with polyester resin, not epoxy. It needs to be sealed. Rolling and tipping a coat of LPU is the least expensive way to do it. Yes, a self steering vane can be expensive. However, it makes your life so much easier that it might be worth looking into. You might be able to pick up something used like an old Aries for a couple hundred bucks. They work just fine.