Geez, Tom - I certainly hope that's not the case... Hell, you may be right, however...(grin)

But I would guess if we took a survey here, among those who actually have sailed across oceans, I would guess those who have done so could only marvel at the Kaufmann's comparative lack of experience... Just a hunch, I could be wrong, of course... (grin) But even the Bumfuzzles - the current standard bearers for newbies setting out on a circumnavigation, had acquired a great deal more sailing experience, and time spent away from marinas, by the time they transited the Canal, and set out upon their Pacific crossing...

No question, no one can prepare for any and every eventuality, and a sick child would change everything, on any boat... From what we know, it definitely appears they made the right call, when they did, I have no issue with that at all...

However, it appears to me that Charlotte was not at all ready for such a trip, had gone against her better instincts previously stated that cruising with children under 3 is not the greatest idea, and was a VERY unhappy camper on that trip... Which was shaping up to be a LONG 3000 mile passage, with crossing the doldrums still ahead of them, a limited supply of fuel, and having made good only 900 miles after 14 days... Again, I believe there was a lot going on aboard RH beyond a sick baby, and i think the fact that their blogging enroute ceased before there was even any mention of the child's health problems gives some indication of that...