First amongst them, the engine. At last it is signed off. I am a happy captain. I managed to run it in, iron out all the chinks, get it serviced and warranteed in 10 days. The final act was installing a siphon break for the raw water inlet, tighten up the bolts on the mounting block, same for the fan belt on the bilge pump, and tighten the fuel tank inlet hoses. I serviced the engine myself so I know I can change all the filters on the engine and service it in the future. A good thing too as I discovered I need a special tool to tackle one of the fuel filters.
The other piece of the puzzle that had me tossing and turning at night was the crew for the ARC(Atlantic Rally for Cruiser). The ARC really is about safety. It is for people who want a little extra insurance when they cross the Atlantic. Well whether you think it is better to run off a cliff alone or in a group is up to you but in my crew selection I think I have hit on the spirit of the ARC. I have sailed with both Sophie and Finbarr and for safety you could not ask for a better pair of eyes and hands to have on board. Sophie is a qualified Doctor; I think A&E is her specialty so we are covered on the sunburn treatment and blisters from rope burn. Finbarr is a retired fisherman and has worked on the sea all his life. Not only has he sailed from the year dot, he is a trained marine biologist so if we catch anything unusual he'll be able to tell us if we can eat it.
I feel like I have been preparing for an ocean crossing for over 2 years now. Longer if you count the night classes in London. The big day is November the 26th. I still have a few things to sort out but essentially everything is in place. If I left the pontoon tomorrow I would have on board all the equipment purchased, stowed and only a few items waiting for installation. For example some kind sole gave me a 3rd English gas bottle which needs a special home. You just can't stuff a gas bottle in any old locker.