On Sun, 22 Jan 2006 03:59:52 GMT, "MarshallE"
wrote:

Hi,

My family is interested in what sailboat to buy and learn that can handle
offshore or perhaps ocean crossing. Older fits our budget better.

What type? How long?

Buy an older 27 to 30 foot masthead sloop for next to nothing and do
some coastal cruising before you even think of offshore. It will teach
you a lot about sailing, and about what you want in a boat.

Ryk