When I was a small child my parents raced Hobie 16's in Northern Indiana and used to take my brother and I on sailing adventures when it was too windy to water ski. Last year we were taking a break from skiing and started discussing Hobie's and other sailboats.
Two weeks later I found a great deal on a Hobie 16 on Craigslist and in three days we were on Lake Norman without a clue how to sail or really setup the boat. After some trial and error we have gotten it almost figured out and I have found some great sailing sites on the net.
I agree that that sailing can be zen like and is a completely different experience than a powerboat. I love having both as the best sailing days are the worst for skiing and vice versa. I am looking forward to getting some serious sailing in this summer as gas for the Sea Ray is going to suck. Go out and try some different boats, look into sailing clubs and see if you can get rides on different boats. I am a speed freak and love having the Hobie singing in the wind flying a hull. We have gotten it down to 18 mins to set the boat up from the trailer. Here is a pic from one of the mountain lakes we like to sail on.
