Unless the budget is high, as it often seems to be on this list, I would consider an older boat, such as the Choey Lee LRC--there are a number of these which have the range to make extended passages. There is one on the market which has just finished its 2nd circumnavigation and I believe has a range close to 6,000 miles. I know of one 50 foot Choey Lee which is currently on the West Coast, which is on its circumnavigation and already made a passage to the Gallapagos from Equidor and from there to Mexico. Vessels like this make a more affordiable alternative. As for courses--start with the Power Squadron. Look closely at the credentials of those who give the course--some have experience--others have only taken courses. The Orange Coast school of Sailing and Seaman ship has excellent courses--and I would put it at the top. In the past I have heard good things about the Seattle Maritime Academy--but the current classes seem limited to CG licenses. Chapman's School I have some plus and minus thoughts about. There is an Annapolis school of Power boating. There are a number of other "schools" and I don't know how good they are. You want to evaluate the experience--and see if the teachers have had any real cruising experience. The Seattle Boat show this year has a good series of lectures. Of course the Trawler Fests (even if they are no longer connected with this list) Get Peter Pisciotta out of "retirement"--he is one of the best for basic teaching. Agree with Mike Maurice as a delivary skipper. But again--lots depends on your time and where you live currently. Another good resource is Starpath's excellent media. But nothing will substitute for experience. I emphasize that your wife or partner should learn as much as you do. If there is any emergency, she may well have to get you and the boat to safety. Also if you do a circumnavigation, she will stand as many watches as you do. It is essentail that she shares in all of the decisions in boat buying and plans. I was fortunate that Marie owned her own boat when we met, and she worked beside me in boat building, then lots of on the job training as we cruised, so that she could do all of the boat jobs as well, or often better than I. One of the problems which folks get into is to buy a deep draft boat--and then try and cruise the East Coast and Bahamas. So look at the area where you will be doing the first coastal cruising. Bob Austin