Let's start by the start

My uncle has been a sailor for a long time. He crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a boat shorter than 40 feet when one would need to use a sextant to navigate.

A few years ago, he replaced his sailboat by a newer one, a little larger and made of aluminum. He bought this boat on France. I was supposed to be part of the crew for the ocean crossing, but because of work I cancelled. I regretted it since, that's why I have decided to never let an opportunity pass since then.

Last year, he bought a condo in St. Lucia, to leave the boat permanently and spend a few months per year over there; instead of spending summer weekends in Vermont. This time, I wasn't going to miss my chance. I've committed 100% to this trip, whatever the circumstances.

Here is the sailboat, an Alubat Ovni 43. Magnificent aluminum sailboat, with retractable keel and all gadgets you can think of (radar, gps, autopilot, etc). The boat is named Oceanne II.