Greetings,
Mr. N. Please re-read post #2 again and take it seriously. Did I mention re-reading post #2?
We've ALL been exactly where you are now. There is a massive knowledge base here on TF. Do NOT hesitate to ask questions and re-read post #2. Patience, young man.
Don't worry about "seaworthiness" (a vague term, at best) or abilities to cross oceans. That knowledge will come. Be patient.
You mention she is a mess. Well, start that "to do" list in order of priority. One item
may be addressing rust. Don't paint the whole boat. Get some sandpaper, matching paint (or close to it) a brush and spot-fix those areas that need
immediate attention.
Have the anodes (zincs) been changed? Is everything that needs be, bonded to said anodes?
Get up close and personal with your Gardner. Get some de-greaser and clean her up. Also get some matching paint to touch up any rust spots you find under the grease and grime. Replace any bad hose clamps/belts/rubber hosing. Change the coolant, perhaps?
Baby steps. As has been mentioned, the "to do" list is never ending and always expanding. Take on ONE project at a time and finish it. The
last thing you want to do is have the boat in pieces to the point where she is unusable. Clean and dry is the ultimate initial aim.
Make a "like to do list". Flybridge? Galley makeover? Relocate dinghy storage? Leave THAT one for later BUT
do make note of your desires.
Patience...
Final word: Leave the cold beer until the END of the day after you've cleaned up and stowed stuff away. Trust me on this.