[JeremyD]

Originally Posted by fuelie600

I would recommend finding a sailing club around your area. See what boats they sail and arrange to crew for them on a race day. It will teach you about sailing and you will learn first hand the good and bad of each boat.

If you choose a boat from an active class, you will have experienced sailors to learn from and later compete against if you get into racing.

Don't be too quick to jump into a boat purchase. There is always another great deal around the corner...

This is probably some of the best advise - I also recommend that people go find a yacht club and post a "willing to crew" ad on the board - great way to get "introduced"

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

I agree that a dinghy is a great place to learn but... the above picture is a great illustration of guiding principle that is often overlooked until it is too late.

Which of the 2 people in the boat will have an easier time crossing under the boom? Of course one of the 2 will have an easier time holding it down in a good blow too and one of them will have a much easier time righting the boat after it does go over.
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Obviously - I would not recommend a 9' dingy to take 2-3 people out sailing. But it works great to teach the basics of sailing...