I've read many circumnavigation blogs and a surprising number started to realize the dream when they had little or no sailing experience. It seems like many take an ASA course or two and do a lot of reading up on seamanship, do some sailing on their own, then break in to the next level by transiting the ICW, gulf stream/Bahamas (or similar if their from Europe). By the time they've hit the Panama Canal they've pretty much figured out crusing, somewhere after Polynesia their becoming experts. Many seem to get to this point in less than a year. With most you can tell they know their stuff but they also know it only takes one mistake to ruin the dream. Doesn't surprise me at all that this couple is where they are now.