Step 4: Passage Making

Passage Making is a daunting prospect namely because you leave sight of shore which must have a profound psychological impact.  In addition, if something goes wrong or breaks down, you have to contend with the remoteness of your location and inaccessibility to any sort of help (except the Coast Guard but it can still take them several hours to mount a rescue).  One of the best ways I've seen to make a passage (especially if it's a first attempt) is the Caribbean 1500 Rally.  I plan on doing this when the time comes for my first passage.  However, any passage made in the company of experienced and trustworthy sailors is good alternative.  It's important to take it slowly.