Totally agree! We have such a flexible view on this we actually turned our view to SE Asia. We figure the water will be calmer and our $$ will go further. We live in SF so we are beginning our licensing soon and will have a lot of opportunity to sail in the bay for the next 10 months. With that comes plenty of expertise, so we feel like we are in a good spot.

Hi
I've been following one of the threads you started, on sailing from Italy to Spain in a year, starting in October.
The forum can be a bit brutal, and I just wanted to say dont be discouraged. Cruisers are good people, and most will be happy to share their experiences with you, to help you realise achievable dreams.
You dont say where you are based, but I recommend you make personal contact with some real, experienced cruisers on their boat, and talk things through. Good luck.