Spencer and Kathleen want to sail around the world. But first, they need to find the right boat, refit it, outfit for long range cruising, gain experience with coastal cruising and then venture off-shore into the Caribbean. Volume I covers research in choosing the right boat to live aboard while exploring the world. They visit boat shows and charter, finally finding a 1975 Fisher 37 that they name Vicarious. Amateur sailors with limited experience, they learn from their mistakes along the way.