Actually If you haven't done a whole lot of sailing - I'd recommend you go to your local yacht club and post a "crew available" flyer.
You'd be surprised the experience you pick up from crewing for people. I did that when I first moved to Florida (couldn't afford a boat) I ended up crewing on a Swan 34. When the owner found out I had raced before - he brought me into the cockpit to serve as tactician. When he would take a break, I would steer. When I started gaining places, I steered more. In the end - I'd do the start and upwind legs. He'd usually steer the downwind and the finish (and collect the brass
... Anyway - it's a good way to take baby steps without much of a committment.